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Board votes for McHenry Twp. to become a gun sanctuary

McHenry Township board trustees voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution to make the township a sanctuary for gun owners.

A gun sanctuary prohibits or impedes the enforcement of certain gun-control measures perceived as violative of the Second Amendment.

The reason for the vote at the township level, Trustee Steve Verr said, is because the McHenry County Board won't take a vote on the resolution.

"When so many counties are adopting it, there's no need for township to adopt it. It's only when things get stagnated at the county level where the townships can take action, so we're doing that right here and now, and we're making a statement to the county board to let this thing come up for a vote," Verr said.

While Board Supervisor Craig Adams was not against the gun sanctuary resolution, he said it should've been done at the county level instead.

"If we pass this, we have no agreements with the sheriffs in the township areas. It has no teeth," he said. "I would refer to the county because they have law enforcement."

Wonder Lake resident Sue Rose agreed with Adams that at the township level, the resolution is "pointless." Some residents tore up the resolution in opposition.

McHenry County Board member Chuck Wheeler was there to gain support from the township. He said more than 60 counties in Illinois have become gun sanctuaries.

"It's something that's not out in left field, it's something that's very mainstream. It's something that's also you as the township can strengthen the efforts of this and basically do both," Wheeler said.

Verr pointed out that a "number of townships" also have done this because of particular inaction in counties, including Plainfield Township.

During eight months of hearings, meetings and talks, the resolution has not made it onto the county agenda, Wheeler said.

"We appreciate any support we can get from our township," he said.

Wheeler is seeking to turn over the issue to the people. He needs more than 9,000 signatures by Aug. 3 to put an advisory referendum on the ballot in November.

Verr added to the discussion House Bill 961 in Virginia, which prohibits sale, transport, etc., of assault firearms, certain firearm magazines, silencers and trigger activators.

"I think there are number of bills floating in Springfield to do the same thing here," he said. "This is a message. You can call it symbolic if you want."

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