Disappointed in DuPage legislators

On April 16, the 1-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting, the Illinois House defeated HB 758, a bill to require anyone who wants to own a handgun in the state to pass a background check first.

This common sense measure would help curb easy access to guns by dangerous individuals.

DuPage County legislators voting against the bill included Reps. Bellock, Biggins, Coladipietro, Dunn, Durkin, Fortner, Meyer, Pihos, Ramey and Reboletti.

These members voted "no" despite the overwhelming support for the bill among voters in DuPage County, as shown by a 2007 poll.

These voters understand that this measure would help keep guns away from criminals, children, domestic abusers and people with mental illness, while having no effect on law-abiding gun owners.

At a recent community forum on gun violence held in Naperville, pro-gun supporters insisted that the only "solution" to combat gun violence is to arm everyone.

The public understands that more guns is not the solution. In fact, the evidence solidly shows that more guns mean more gun deaths and injuries.

When will DuPage County legislators stand up for the 1,000 victims killed by guns every year in Illinois and vote for common sense gun laws?

Not until the voters of DuPage County hold them accountable.

Nina E. Vinik

Legal Director

Legal Community

Against Violence

Evanston