Mayor’s gun triggers criticism – and an award
Date: Jul 9, 2007 6:55 AM
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-ha.simmons08jul08,0,4852323.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

Mayor’s gun triggers criticism – and an award

By Madison Park
SUN REPORTER
Originally published July 8, 2007

Mayor S. Fred Simmons’ habit of carrying a gun around Aberdeen has received criticism from residents in recent weeks.

Last week, it got him an award.

An organization Simmons says he had never heard of announced it has bestowed upon him the Responsible Democracy Award – because he carries a gun and isn’t afraid to say so.

Maryland Shall Issue Inc., a gun-rights group based in Libertytown in Frederick County, proclaimed that it was “impressed by Mayor Simmons’ declaration that he carries a gun because it is his right to do so, and because he may frequent high crime areas.”

The group announced Wednesday that it was presenting its Responsible Democracy Award to Simmons and will send him a certificate.

“I had no knowledge of it,” Simmons said. “If it’s a good organization, I’m flattered they took the time to recognize me.”

On his lunch hour, Simmons frequently goes for walks in the more troubled areas of town. “There’s no place in Aberdeen that I will not walk,” he said.

The mayor carries a 9 mm Glock pistol and said he has the proper permits to carry a concealed weapon.

Maryland Shall Issue describes itself as a nonpartisan volunteer group that advocates for the expansion of gun laws in the state, particularly limitations on the ability to carry concealed weapons.

On its Web site, the organization poses the question: “Why should it be so much more difficult for the law-abiding citizen to carry than for the criminal?”

“This is the hallmark of democracy, which is what this is about,” said Henry Heymering, president of
Maryland Shall Issue. “There are very few people who openly will declare that they carry a gun, and it’s certainly not people here in Maryland.”

Simmons’ recent history might strengthen his inclination to carry a gun. In June, two teenagers, one of whom was brandishing a baseball bat, confronted Simmons during a walk. That day, Simmons did not have a police escort and radioed for help. The teens eventually backed down, though Simmons has said he did not draw his weapon.

At the public comment segment of a City Council meeting last month, a number of residents criticized Simmons for carrying a gun, saying it made Aberdeen appear unsafe.

The Responsible Democracy Award is the first of its kind issued by Maryland Shall Issue. Heymering said there was no formal nomination process.

“The comment that instigated it was that [Simmons] said he carried a gun and that it was his right to do so,” Heymering said. “And that he went to high-crime areas in the city – that was the basis for it.”

The group has 2,000 supporters, Heymering said Friday, but he could not say how many formal members the group has.

The Second Amendment IS Homeland Security !