by Chad D. Baus

Behind the security cameras and tall iron gates, behind the stone walls and State Trooper Guard House, Bob and Hope Taft live in a stone mansion the likes of which few Ohioans will ever see, let alone live in.

Over 120 men, women and children took time away from Thanksgiving events and braved the crisp autumn air November 30, openly carrying firearms on "the Mother of All Defense Walks". They came to show Governor Taft the choice his opposition to concealed carry legislation is forcing upon those who need to carry a firearm for self-defense. And even though he didn't show himself, Taft managed to show the Walkers something as well.

"No wonder he doesn't care about what we have to go through as defenseless citizens," one Walker observed while gazing over the iron fences and through the thick arbor borders of the estate. "He probably can't remember a time when he didn't have armed guards and high security protecting his family 24-7."

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Should Ohioans have the right to walk the streets packing a pistol?
By MARK TUSCANO
Ashtabula Star Beacon
November 30, 2003

ASHTABULA — Whether law abiding Ohioans have the right to carry concealed weapons or not, has been an ongoing issue in the Ohio General Assembly this year. It has been a hard fought battle with grass roots support on both sides. On Saturday, those supporting their right to carry handguns rallied in favor of legislation that would allow Ohioans to carry concealed weapons legally.

About 50 supporters assembled in North Park for a rally to support Ohio House Bill 12; proposed legislation currently in committee that may grant Ohioans the right to carry concealed handguns on their person or in their vehicle. Many in attendance wore holsters filled with their own handguns, in plain view, as they assembled and walked the rally route from North Park, south on Main Street to 48th Street, then back on Park Avenue.

John Bailey of Austinburg Township coordinated the rally with help from a couple others including Tracy Williams of Plymouth Township. Bailey secured the permit for the rally through Ashtabula Police Chief Ray Mattson and City Manager August Pugliese.

“I have a lot of respect for the chief, he was 100-percent against the concealed carry legislation in Ohio,” Bailey said. “But he supports our right to demonstrate peacefully.”

As a hunter, outdoorsman and an Army veteran, Bailey has handled guns most of his life. “We need to get involved and support this legislation,” he said.
Bailey cited one case in particular that supports his stand on the issue. A [Seneca County] woman, the victim of a recent rape, was arrested and sentenced to jail time for carrying a handgun in her car.

“I’m totally outraged,” Bailey said. “She had a handgun under the seat of her car because she was afraid. We have Ohioans living in fear. If Governor Taft gets his way, he will be giving criminals all the rights. We want Ohioans to be able to protect themselves.”

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