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Residents, veterans and gun-club leaders protest unvetted gun-resolution placement at Calhoun County meeting
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners to promise not to reconsider a proposed gun-control resolution after its placement on the Feb. 5 agenda drew large public opposition; petitioners presented 417 signatures and veterans emphasized constitutional concerns.
Dozens of residents confronted the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 5 after a proposed gun-control resolution briefly appeared on the meeting agenda, saying they mobilized to oppose any local firearm restrictions.
Wayne Groth, chairman of the Calhoun County Gun Owners Association and a Marshall resident, said he learned of the resolution on Tuesday and worked to bring attendees to the meeting to demonstrate opposition. Groth asked who submitted the resolution and told the Board he expected it would receive a 'no' vote from each commissioner if formally proposed. Chairman Mike Rae replied he would meet with Groth after the meeting and characterized the item’s placement as a mistake.
Other speakers — many identifying themselves as veterans or gun-club members — echoed Groth’s concern. Tom Starkweather, a Battle Creek veteran, said the draft 'chips away at America’s freedoms' and urged education rather than regulation. Joel Fulton presented petitions signed by 417 people opposing the proposal and said constituents wanted assurance the Board would not revisit the issue.
Several commenters cited constitutional protections. Creighton Burrows referenced Article 7, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution in a broader argument about county duties; multiple speakers invoked the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment as the basis for opposing local restrictions. Judy Robinson, manager of the Centerline Gun Club and secretary of the Calhoun County Gun Owners Association, said removal from the agenda did not satisfy her group; she preferred the item remain so commissioners’ votes would be recorded.
Commissioners on the dais told residents they shared the opposition to imposing gun-control regulations. In remarks during 'Commissioners’ Time,' Commissioners Terris Todd, Jim Haadsma and Chairman Rae said they would have opposed any such resolution. Several speakers urged the Board to explain how the item had been placed on the agenda; the chairman offered to discuss that privately after the meeting.
The public comment period included requests for the Board to commit never to reintroduce the measure; no formal binding action or resolution on the subject was taken during the meeting. The Board proceeded with other agenda business, including appointment votes and administrative approvals.
