Kirkland City Council members vote to officially support gun initiative

Published 3:28 pm Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Kirkland City Council has voted to take a side in a state-wide battle over two opposing state gun initiative.

At a special meeting Oct. 13, the council voted 6-1 in favor of a resolution expressing support for Initiative 594, while passing a separate resolution opposing Initiative 591.

If approved, I-594 would require background checks for all gun purchases and transfers in the state, though the initiative provides exemptions for gifts between immediate family members or for antiques.

I-591 would prohibit law enforcement from confiscating guns without due process, or from requiring background checks on firearm recipients unless a uniform national standard is required. I-591 has been endorsed by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), of which the Kirkland Police Guild is a member. WACOPS also opposes I-594.

The vote came up after Kirkland residents requested the council support I-594. The idea was taken up by the legislative committee, headed by Council member Dave Asher. The committee voted to consider I-594 but also recommended considering I-591. Before a vote was taken, the council heard arguments from representatives of the Yes on I-594 campaign, Yes on I-591 campaign, and No on I-594 campaign. Advocates for I-594 argued that it would close loopholes that allow criminals to obtain firearms through private purchases that do not require a background check. Opponents, including a licensed firearms instructor and combat veteran, stated that I-594 defines a gun transfer is such a way every time he hands someone a firearm he will be breaking the law.

Section 2, paragraph 25, defines a transfer as “the intended delivery of a firearm to another person without consideration of payment or promise of payment including, but not limited to, gifts and loans.”

An advocate for I-594 stated that the transfer requirements does not apply to immediate families, for self-defense, kids under 18 for educational purposes. Section 3 of I-594 includes the full list of exemptions.

Mayor Amy Walen told the Reporter she initially expressed reservations about the council taking up the issue, but when they did she decided to voice her support.

“Here in America, we are justifiably proud of our freedom and we hold to them so dearly,” she said during the meeting. “Every freedom has an impact or has a burden that the society carries to maintain it … I am convinced that we will be a better safer society if we regulate the right to bear arms in a responsible way and with some common sense measures.”

Council member Dave Asher, who said he is a life time member of the Washington Arms Collector Association, stated there were problems with I-594 but it should be supported nevertheless and allow for legislators to make changes to the law.

“The giant leap forward that it makes in closing off some of the pathways for the sale and transfers far exceed the imperfections of the bill,” he said. “Is it an infringement on our Second Amendment rights? I don’t think so. I view background checks as pretty fundamental, too. If we can’t do something about some of the things, the heinous things that have gone on since the turn of the century then we ought to give up and go home. But we can do something.”

WAC hosts gun shows across the state and requires members to pass a background check before they can purchase firearms from registered WAC vendors.

Jay Arnold also said there were problems with I-594 but the issues could be addressed later on. He disclosed prior to the vote he performs contract work for FUSE Washington, progressive advocacy organization and an endorser of I-594.

“The real thing to look there is what’s the intent specified?” he said.

Toby Nixon was the only council member to vote no on both initiatives resolutions, stating that the council shouldn’t take a side on either initiative.

“We have heard no testimony from city staff or any member of the public about how either of these initiatives will specifically affect the city, such as the impact on our police or code enforcement officers,” he said. “I have never understood why we go out of our way to raise contentious issues when there is no requirement that we do so … We should let the people of Kirkland decide for themselves without taking sides.”