Reach out to Vern Buchanan, other U.S. reps, about gun control

When listening to the terrible news regarding the latest campus shooting incident, I contacted my congressman Vern Buchanan's Washington office. Unfortunately, after a bit of a "run around" with other members of his staff, I was unable to reach Buchanan's staff person responsible for matters related to gun control, Sean Brady. The purpose of my call was to ask for information regarding Buchanan's position relative to the enactment of legislation requiring stricter gun control.

I am very upset about our federal legislators' inability to enact legislation in many areas. In my opinion, matters related to public safety which would naturally include regulations regarding who may be authorized to bear arms should be a nonpartisan issue.

I would like our legislators to enact meaningful legislation that restricts the ability of individuals suffering from mental health issues to obtain guns. This may require regulations restricting gun show sales. I would also like our legislators to provide financial support to institutions who provide mental health services. This, in my opinion, will make a meaningful dent in the problem areas.

I hope that those of you who read this letter will also reach out to Mr. Buchanan's office and urge him to address these public safety issues. He should be acting and basing his votes on legislation on the will of the people he represents. To do that, he needs to know what we want him to do. His Washington office phone number is 202-225-5015. Ask for Sean Brady if your comments are regarding gun control legislation.

Anita Tierney

Bradenton

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Reach out to Vern Buchanan, other U.S. reps, about gun control ."