Release: Thousands of New Jerseyans Tell Gov. Christie: Sign Centerpiece Gun Safety Bill Now

WASHINGTON – Americans for Responsible Solutions today announced that an outpouring of 3,287 New Jersey residents signed a petition in the last four days urging New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to pass the “centerpiece” gun safety bill, which contains several common-sense measures to reduce gun violence – including an expanded background check provision. Expanded background checks enjoy the support of 96 percent of New Jersey residents, including 95 percent of gun households.

“I’m a West Orange, New Jersey native, the son of two former police officers, a gun owner — and the husband of a courageous survivor of a vicious shooting,” said ARS co-founder Captain Mark Kelly. “America is a country that affirms both our gun rights and traditions, but knows we must do sensible things to protect our families and communities. That’s why I’m asking Gov. Christie to sign the centerpiece bill into law. It already passed the legislature, it contains measures that are totally common-sense, and it would save lives. The governor is a former prosecutor and believes in public safety; this is one of the best ways to keep New Jersey communities safer.”

Petition signers comprised gun owners, parents, law enforcement officials, NRA members, and people affected by gun violence, many of whom wrote personal pleas to Gov. Christie:

“As a former FBI Special Agent, I support the common-sense measures contained in the centerpiece bill which will help keep all residents of New Jersey safe,” wrote Susan Mason of Basking Ridge, N.J., who was a special agent at the FBI for 10 years.

Said Daniel Derascavage from Cherry Hill, N.J., a registered Republican who hails from a military family: “Between 80% to 90% of the people of the Great State of New Jersey believe in common sense gun reform. We expect our Governor to not bow to the gun lobby. Please do the only responsible thing.”

“At one time I was a police officer. Owning a gun is not harmful; it’s not being properly trained or knowing proper safety procedures that makes owning a gun harmful and dangerous. Lives are at stake; isn’t it time we use common sense measures when it comes to gun ownership? I’ve always been proud of NJ for having strong protections for its citizens,” said Janet Woudenberg of Montague, N.J.

“As a long time supporter of yours and a registered Republican, I hope you will stand against the gun lobby and support the common sense measures recently passed by the legislature,” Jim Hughes, a gun owner from Madison, N.J., wrote to Gov. Christie.

“As a gun owner, I urge you to sign these bills. Common sense should be present when guns are handled. Unfortunately, children don’t possess it yet, or haven’t been taught to respect guns, and criminals/terrorists have an agenda. These bills will help prevent one group from ‘playing’ with guns and make it harder for the other to obtain them,” said Washington, N.J. resident Douglas LaBrie, in his note to the governor.

“Although I do not own a gun, my husband and son do. Family members have been safely hunting with guns since back in the 1950’s. Common sense laws are needed to keep everyone safe,” said Glassboro, N.J. resident Elizabeth DeStefano, whose son lost two friends to gun violence.

“Even gun owners don’t want to see guns available without complete background checks,” said John Bertolotti, a registered gun owner from Port Monmouth, N.J.

“As a nurse, a mother, and a veteran, I’ve seen the damage a gunshot can do. I urge you to please sign this legislation – as a gun owner, I fully support common sense gun laws!” wrote Janet Walh, a nurse and gun owner from Medford, N.J.

The centerpiece bill sitting on Gov. Christie’s desk — in addition to expanding background checks on gun purchases — would require safety training for gun owners and would tighten penalties for letting guns fall into the hands of children.

 The petition also asked Gov. Christie to sign a bill barring people on the federal terrorist watch list from buying guns; the governor signed that bill yesterday.

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