Toledo Mayor breaks tie to extend ban on handguns
Mayor Jack Ford broke a 6-6 tie to repeal a sunset provision that would have caused Toledo’s handgun ordinance to expire Jan. 27. The vote renewed the ban on cheap and easily concealed handguns.
Mr. Ford said he expects to propose changes to address problems cited since the law passed in 1999, especially complaints that it discriminates against people who claim they need to defend themselves in their homes but cannot handle the large, heavy handguns that tend to meet the legal requirements.
Opponents of the gun ban pointed to the few arrests made by police as evidence that the ordinance was never needed. Police Chief Michael Navarre said eight people have been charged under the law, but only one since 2000.
The council also bid farewell to departing council President Peter Ujvagi (D). The council meeting was the last for Mr. Ujvagi, who intends to resign Dec. 31 to take a seat in the Ohio General Assembly.
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