Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart on gun control

[FJ540]

Across our great nation, there has been a great deal of discussion about gun control and the role of the county sheriff. As sheriffs, we hold a unique position as the only elected chief law enforcement officers. The sheriff is the sworn protector of the citizens of the entire county. We report solely to the citizens who have elected us. This is an honor that is affirmed through an oath of office. By taking this sacred oath, I have given my word to support, defend, and obey the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of Minnesota.
...
Because of this unique enforcement role, county sheriffs are being asked to express their views about the current controversy related to gun control. This is a highly complex situation with too many variables to address in a short note. However, I wanted the citizens of Anoka County to have a basic understanding of my stance on the matter. Like you, I have many concerns for the safety of our children and indeed, all citizens. Your family’s safety is my number one priority. However, more stringent gun control alone will not resolve the problems of escalating gun violence in our society. We need to take a comprehensive approach to this highly complex issue. I would support expanded gun safety programs, improved mental health treatment, and an expansion of the background investigation process when obtaining a permit to carry. All of these would address deficiencies in the current system and would help improve public safety. I fully support the stance recently taken by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association as well as that of the National Sheriff’s Association, which strongly support the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.

I am NOT willing to support, condone, or conduct any type of weapon confiscation or effort to disarm citizens. This includes any presidential orders, which would be considered federal law. As county sheriffs, we do not have authority to enforce federal laws, as they are not within our jurisdiction. Like many of you, I will be watching any proposed legislative changes very closely to ensure that public safety remains paramount, while not infringing upon
the rights of citizens.

As sheriff, I am an employee of the people and am sworn to protect and serve. I fully understood and accepted this responsibility when I raised my hand and swore an oath before God and the citizens that I proudly serve, and I will not waiver in my service to you.

Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart

[FJ540]

I'm proud to say I voted for him. He reduced the permit fees within one year of taking office, because he found they weren't spending that much on issuing them or doing the background checks and he didn't think it was right to make a profit, and now this.

[sansooshooter]

I wrote to the Sheriff a couple of weeks ago. Here is my letter.


Sir



I am writing to let you know that I am pro 2nd amendment . I oppose new gun control laws and would like to know your position on the current state and federal proposed anti gun bills.

The 2nd amendment is going to be one of my main focuses in the next several elections. As it will be for my wife and most of my extended family.

We have a tradition of shooting sports and gun ownership in our family.



I believe we have enough laws to enforce under current law. Both at the state and federal level.



I look foreward to hearing from you on these issues.

Thank you for your time.



Robert D

Oak Grove

Minnesota

Here was his response .

MR D

Your e-mail was forwarded to me by our site administrator and I wanted to personally respond to your inquiry. First, Thank you for taking the time to write to me.

In short, I am pro EVERY amendment, including our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. I come from a hunting family and fully agree with what you have written.

Some time ago, I submitted an article with my stance for the upcoming Anoka County Newsletter that will be mailed to every home in the county (It should be mailed out soon).

After receiving it, please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for ensuring that your voice is heard.



Respectfully,



James Stuart

Anoka County Sheriff

[damian_mb]

Nice! Now Stanek needs to speak up....

[tman]

Nice! Now Stanek needs to speak up....

He has. He is the voice of the State Sheriff's Association. You just might not like that he doesn't talk about guns.

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/1009515/16/Sheriff-Rich-Stanek-talks-gun-control-on-Sunrise

[Cavscout]

Or maybe you need to speak up to him. He probably won't side with you though...

In a way Sheriffs are a special politician. They still need to be reelected. So write him a letter. Not from "Bob" but the "Bob Family" and include as many of your family that you have on your side. They need to know what the people are saying.

Itasca County is also lucky. Our Sheriff is Constitutional. Not the party, just the mindset.