Mayor Coleen Seng recently announced her intention to introduce a Lincoln city ordinance to override the state’s new concealed carry law.

I can only assume that her motives are born from an irrational fear of firearm owners, because her comment about the law being “a very real threat to the security of citizens” was certainly not made from any basis in fact, or with the support of evidence. While I certainly respect the mayor’s opinion, I’d rather not have that opinion forced on me. 

The way it’s supposed to work in this country is that when the government requires its citizens to either do or not do something, it has to give us a reason. Historically, banning the carrying of concealed weapons has been founded on the premise of public safety — the idea that lots of people carrying guns will get themselves into trouble and increase crime.

However, state after state after state has proven this fear to be completely unfounded. All states which have enacted similar legislation have experienced either reductions in crime, or no effect on crime rates at all. Mayor Seng’s statements are simply false and a transparent attempt at scaring citizens into supporting her position.

Police Chief Tom Casady stated that we do not need a concealed carry law. Even if we accept that statement, it wouldn’t matter. It is not my obligation to demonstrate a need for carrying a gun — it is the government’s obligation to show me why I can’t. With all the evidence available to anyone actually willing to look, I’d very much like to hear someone try to make that case. 

Short of that, we might want to consider allowing citizens with no criminal history to decide for themselves. Or have I gotten that liberty thing all wrong?

Mike C. Peterson, Lincoln

Lincoln known for parks

I was disappointed when I read in the April 17 Lincoln Journal Star that the Lincoln Independent Business Association voted to oppose the parks bond issue to be on the May 9 ballot setting aside green space north of the South Beltway to be built in 2008.

However, I’m not surprised, given their ongoing short-sightedness and tunnel vision only concerned about the economic factor. LIBA’s only concern is taking 130 acres off the tax rolls instead of zoning it for development. Approval of the bond issue would increase property taxes only about $1.60 per year for a $100,000 house.

As I walk or ride the bike along Highway 2 I enjoy the wide expanse of green space set aside rather than development immediately adjacent to the trail. Lincoln is known for our parks and trails and green space. I hope the Citizens for Quality Parks and Trails will receive our support.

Bobbe Cusick, Lincoln

Watch for home sales

I read the article about property valuations going up another 17.5 percent for next year. And the county is gearing up for protests. Well, I don’t think I’m alone in this city in saying enough is enough.

I really think the county should be gearing up to watch all the houses that will be up for sale. And the people that will move to other counties.

I foresee a big building boom near Greenwood, Ashland, Wahoo, the list is endless. I now see why most retirement-age people leave Lincoln and the state and go to other surrounding states.

Want to buy my overvalued house? It will be for sale soon.

Todd Schaal, Lincoln

Support for Vavricek

I write to express my unwavering support of Jay Vavricek for Congress. He has made an excellent mayor for Grand Island.

Jay knows what it means to build economic development and job opportunities while effectively lowering taxes for the residents of Grand Island and reducing city budgets. He has also accomplished the monumental task of bringing some accord to the County Board and the City Council.

As senator for Legislative District 35, I was always happy to see Jay walk in my door at the Capitol because he is an effective and sensible advocate for the needs of Grand Island at the state level.

I believe Jay will be able to take his effective, coalition building, level-headed style to Washington, D.C. and do a fantastic job of representing the 3rd District.

Ray Aguilar, Grand Island

Negligence led to death

Our 4-year-old schnauzer was killed last week on Vine Street due to the negligence of a business (that shall remain nameless) that came to our property without permission to obviously write one of those bids to sell a product.

This particular business didn’t have the common sense to shut our gate in the backyard. Consequently, when we came home from work we let our pets out to do their business to find they got loose and one of our dogs was hit by a car and died.

Please get this message out to businesses, utility companies, whomever practices these tactics, not to come onto someone’s property without permission, and if you have to, please have the common sense to shut people’s gates. This was a completely  senseless death of a pet who had a heart of gold who shall always remain dear to us.

Rudy, our schnauzer, suffered internal injuries and died at our vet’s.

We would like to thank the woman (whom we shall call Rudy’s angel) who without a second thought took David and our dog to the vet.  

To the gentleman that hit Rudy: You need to know this wasn’t your fault. Thanks for not leaving the scene and also going to the vet and giving us the necessary support we so desperately needed.

David and Vicki Brown, Lincoln

Ricketts responsible?

Now that I am a registered Republican, I am forced to look hard at candidates and their beliefs. I must ask a question of my fellow Republicans: Do you really think that U.S. Senate candidate Pete Ricketts, a man who is willing to spend millions of his own money, is going to be a responsible steward of our money? It is no wonder he is against inheritance taxes as it appears he will need more of his father’s money to buy this election.

Of course it is not legal, but it would be cheaper for him to just buy votes in a state this sparsely populated. The benefit of this would be that we wouldn’t be forced to see all those commercials; you know, the ones that tell us he is against terrorism. I am still waiting for some politician to come out in favor of terrorism.

Joe Gallagher, Lincoln