Protecting Second Amendment Rights - Guns and Fly Rods

While visiting the many villages and communities that are the 76th Ohio House District, a commonly asked question is where I stand on the 2nd Amendment. Where am I with guns? The answer is easy: The United States Constitution, the highest law of our country preserves and protects the right of law-abiding Americans to own firearms.

As a gun owner and hunter, I strongly support the rights of law-abiding Americans to own and keep their firearms in their homes. I believe as a gun owner, I have a duty to own and use firearms with care and conscious responsibility. While the firearms owned at the time the 2nd Amendment was adopted have changed, the basic right of Americans to own firearms remains a hallmark of our American freedoms. I value and support this freedom.

As a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, I believe that responsible gun ownership includes a balanced respect for wildlife and the preservation of our wildlife habitat. As the local chair for the Findlay Chapter of Ducks Unlimited for several years, I am proud of the many dollars raised and invested to preserve Ohio wetlands. As a member of Pheasants Forever, I feel a sense of pride when driving past acreage reclaimed and preserved as wildlife habitat.

So – you may consider that I am a 2nd Amendment – Gun Owning – Hunting – Tree Hugger.

I also enjoy fly fishing – not that it is protected through an amendment to our Constitution, but I would not mean to offend sporting anglers. Hold up your fly rods proudly!