Suburban commissioners oppose stance on concealed gun bill

The Cook County Board went on record opposing a state bill that would allow permits for concealed weapons, but only over the objections of three suburban commissioners.

Commissioners Timothy Schneider of Bartlett, Gregg Goslin of Glenview and Elizabeth “Liz” Gorman of Orland Park, all Republicans, joined Chicago Democrat William Beavers in voting against the county's resolution.

“I believe in the right to bear arms,” Goslin said. But he said he also objected to the county board advising the Illinois legislature on an issue it wasn't informed about.

“This is a process question,” he said.

The county board's 10-4 vote opposes an Illinois House bill that would allow permits for concealed guns. Illinois is one of just two states that do not allow permits for concealed guns.

Gorman said the resolution demonstrates how Cook County tries to impose its views on the rest of the state, but she also spoke up for the right to bear arms.

“It's important to gun owners in my district,” she said. “Gun owners' rights are always being questioned.”

Schneider did not return calls seeking comments.

The county's opposition might carry weight in Springfield, said state Rep. David Harris, a Republican from Arlington Heights who predicted a struggle in getting enough votes to pass the concealed carry bill.

As currently written, the bill would remove the home-rule exemption of Illinois municipalities.