Group Wants Gun Control on Town Meeting Ballots

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A Vermont group plans to push for asking voters at Town Meeting Day in March if they support a ban on assault weapons and background checks for gun buyers following the school shooting in Connecticut.

The group, which met in Norwich, included a state representative, police chief, educators, mental health professionals and a licensed gun dealer.

Democratic state Rep. Jim Masland, of Thetford, whose wife is a school administrator, said Wednesday that he does not support arming teachers.

The Valley News reports that Norwich Selectboard Chairman Christopher Ashley, a former school principal, said lawmakers need evidence of support for stricter gun control before taking action.

The group agreed that the best way to reach a large number of people was to petition to place a question on Town Meeting warrants.

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