Mullins honored for gun control work

Often times you don't choose the issue; the issue chooses you.

So says Thom Mannard, executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. He points to Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins, who was forced to confront the issue of gun control in the face of the Brown's Chicken massacre, which occurred in her village in 1993.

But it's been her continued advocacy since then that made the council take notice.

Tuesday, Mullins accepted its Legislative Advocacy Award at a downtown reception. She's the sole suburban mayor to be recognized in recent years by the 32-member board of directors.

"Her willingness to speak on the issue, despite representing an area that doesn't necessarily experience gun violence on a daily basis, is significant," said Mannard.

Mullins, who grew up hunting with her father, supports the Second Amendment and owning handguns for protection but deems the ease of obtaining one "lunacy." She's lobbied against their proliferation and once co-chaired an organization of women officials against handgun violence. She also belongs to the New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg-led Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition.

"I went to seven funerals (of the Brown's Chicken murder victims) in just a few days," the mayor said. "When it has touched you, you can't help but get involved."

Mullins concedes it's easier to back gun control because, despite being a Republican, Palatine's mayoral race is nonpartisan.

For most Republicans, "it's a plus to be supported by the NRA," Mullins said.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan was to receive the council's highest honor. Past recipients of the Abraham Lincoln Award include President Clinton, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate.

However, a tearful Duncan said he could not accept it until the fight is won over "the NRA, the gun makers, the gun dealers, the gang bangers and everyone else who refuses to accept the undeniable fact that guns and kids don't mix."

Duncan, who serves on the council board, cited the grim statistic that eight CPS students have died from gun violence since the start of the school year, including three last weekend alone.

"I would love to salute elected officials across the state of Illinois for having the political courage to pass common-sense gun laws that would keep our children safe," Duncan said in his remarks.

The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence doesn't aim to ban handguns, but rather minimize gun violence through education programs and policy change.

This year's other honorees were State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett and the founders of Purpose Over Pain, a Chicago-based anti-gun violence group.