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Wilmette Village Board Gets Barrage Of Criticism For Handgun Ban
Bob Roberts WBBM Newsradio 780 - January 14, 2004

The Wilmette Village Board heard a barrage of criticism of the suburb's handgun ban, and the decision to press charges against a homeowner who shot an intruder. But they showed no desire at Tuesday night's board meeting to make change.

Two former trustees who voted to approve the ordinance reaffirmed their support. Former trustee Mary S. Ryan even called it her "proudest moment." But 23 of the next 25 speakers spoke against it, although fewer than half said they lived in Wilmette.

Police Chief George Carpenter said, based on his experience, guns kept in homes were far more likely to be used against Wilmette residents in domestic quarrels or for suicides than for protection. He urged residents to dial 911 instead.

But many of the gun advocates who spoke were far angrier with trustee Bernard Michna. Michna said he had also been the victim of a break-in when he lived in Chicago, but said he believed the board was "unanimous in that there will be no change in the handgun ordinance."

One speaker used giant cue cards to illustrate his points. Others used sarcasm.

"If we hear someone screaming, may we then come out of our locked rooms and, brandishing our phones, confront the perpetrator?" asked an incredulous Henry Koslowski.

Gun advocates chuckled as Conceal Carry, Inc., President John Birch mocked the ban. "Anything that attracts criminals to your town and away from mine, is a good thing," Birch said. "I want to assure you I support your law. Keep your law and I request that you also ban knives, crowbars and maybe automobiles."

Brent Hansen of Wheeling pulled out a wad of money, waved it at the trustees and said, "I'm going to give all my money in my wallet to the defendant who is being abused by your ordinance."

Still others were blunt.

"I don't want to be the guy hauled out of my house under arrest when I shoot someone for breaking in," said Kevin Baxter, of Hampshire.

"What happens if somebody breaks into a home three months from now and kills the family," asked Derek Theclas of Wilmette. "I believe that anyone who would break into a home would have a weapon to protect themselves against the homeowner, so I don't see why we can't have…the right to defend ourselves against that trespasser."

Two Chicago radio talk show hosts even spoke against the ban, claiming listeners identifying themselves as being from Wilmette told them overwhelmingly that they were upset by the ban and the charges filed against 54-year-old Hale DeMar.

One said, "The arrogance of the trustees is appalling," and both suggested that residents defeat trustees and village board candidates who support the ban.

Village President Nancy Canafax, the last remaining member of the board that approved the ban, reminded opponents that the measure passed six weeks before an election in which its supporters won resoundingly.

"All I can says is that this community has felt secure for 15 years with this gun control," she said. "I think our residents agree with our chief, who says it has provided more safety than it has prevented harm.

She then invited opponents to test their support at the ballot box. "There's another election soon, and we'll see," she said.

DeMar, the owner of the Oak Tree Restaurant, 900 N. Michigan Av., shot Morio Billings, 31, twice on Dec. 29. Billings had allegedly broken into the DeMar home, at 35 Linden Av., in Wilmette, for the second time in two nights. He was arrested after seeking treatment at St. Francis Hospital, in Evanston, for gunshot wounds to the side and leg.

Billings is being held in the Cermak Hospital unit of the Cook County Jail in lieu of $3 million bond on two counts of residential burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. DeMar is charged with failure to have a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card, and of violating the Wilmette ordinance.

"She then invited opponents to test their support at the ballot box. "There's another election soon, and we'll see," she said."

Wonder how many out-of-towners are going to "test their support" after that comment?

She then invited opponents to test their support at the ballot box. "There's another election soon, and we'll see," she said.

Village President Canafax is quite confident that the ethnic make-up of Wilmette will ensure a vote against the Second Amendment. She seems rather arrogant about it.

"All I can says is that this community has felt secure for 15 years with this gun control," she said. "I think our residents agree with our chief, who says it has provided more safety than it has prevented harm.

I've seen some absurd "cause and effect" claims, but this one is really over the top.