Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton had this to say:
January 17, 2013
Statement from Sheriff Dan Staton Regarding Recent Gun Control Dialogue:To the Citizens of Multnomah County:
Recent media events have triggered an energized and sometimes reactive dialogue regarding gun control in our country. As a result, our Office has received multiple inquiries as to our position on gun control and the Second Amendment generally. In response, I would like to issue the following statement:
The first line of my Oath of Office is that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and I have and intend to continue to do that very thing. I support the rights of citizens granted by the Constitution, and have worked hard to ensure those rights are protected. This work has been both locally and through work with other Sheriff’s at the state legislature, where I have supported rights to privacy for concealed handgun holders in my county, and tougher screening of concealed handgun applicants overall.
I do not, however, plan to make any immediate change of policy or practice with regard to recent reports I have heard of gun control measures proposed by elected officials locally or nationally. No change in the practices of this Office will come without both a clear understanding of the measures proposed or enacted into law, or a chance to hear back from the citizens of Multnomah County regarding these proposals. Nor do I believe that a fast-tracked approach will be effective in improving what is a very complex issue in our country.
I am personally shocked and saddened by the recent events that have brought these issues front and center, and I will be engaged with my fellow elected officials, public safety partners and the citizens of this county as we thoughtfully consider what measures might be taken to curb the violence seen in these recent events.
Thank you,
Sheriff Dan Staton
A very good job of obscuring the fact you are saying you will not enforce federal law.
You are the Administrative Branch Sheriff, you don't make that decision.
Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett has this to say to his Bagger friends (PDF)
Of course PDF as if that will keep anyone but me from making a screen grab. Of course it is a continuation of the-"people dead by bullets can be helped by banning video games" as if it might stop bullets attitude.
And this one from Marion County continues to not take responsibility for their job but wants to grab more power than they are legally entitled to.
To: Marion County Community MembersRe: Recent events and Second Amendment Rights
In the wake of the two recent tragedies in Clackamas and Newtown and the political climate surrounding a host of issues these tragedies have raised, I have received a number of phone calls and emails about my stance on the Second Amendment rights of citizens of our Country.
I understand the need to clarify the official position of elected officials following events of this magnitude and impact. Many are looking for answers to questions such as:
“Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? What next?” While I cannot give specific answers for these situations, I can provide my thoughts on Second Amendment rights and reinforce the strategy by which we strive for a safe community here in Marion County.
First, as a Sheriff, I have taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States of America. I have and will continue to uphold this oath, including supporting the Second Amendment rights of our citizens. When tragedy or controversy strikes our nation, we naturally see citizens begin to advocate for their beliefs on these issues. I try to avoid hasty reactions to situations that impact the rights of all people.
Secondly, I have been a strong supporter of our Oregon Concealed Handgun License program. I have a demonstrated history of working with our State Legislature to ensure that the rights of license holders are upheld and that their personal information remains confidential.
I appreciate the concerns that many have communicated to me; I have taken note. I am actively involved in our State Legislature and community and have been a strong advocate for public safety and our citizen’s rights.
Everyone has a stake in this issue. My hope is that as a county, a state and a nation we can work together to stop these evil tragedies from finding their way into our communities. I will be committed to this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Jason Myers, Sheriff
4:25 PM PT: H/T to Laurence Lewis for the phone number to the Sheriff of Multnomah County's--
executive assistant has a voice mail at 503 988 4400