Council Votes to Keep ‘No Firearms’ Sign at City Hall

Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) A sign prohibiting firearms and other weapons at City Hall will remain in place.

A resident who is a concealed carry permit holder brought the item forward for consideration before the Common Council. The Council debated the issue at its Oct. 22 meeting and postponed the item until November to allow a decision once more members were present.

In the interim, an internal survey of City Hall employees showed a slight preference toward keeping the sign in place.

Council members debated removing the sign during Tuesday’s discussion. Alderman Ken Bargender stated he had taken calls from citizens on both sides of the debate and while he supports 2nd Amendment rights, he felt it was best to leave the sign in place.

Alderman Rebecca Spiros said she reviewed the 174 comments made on a Marshfield Police Department Facebook post which asked for the public’s opinion on the topic of whether citizens should be permitted to bring weapons into public buildings.

Most were in favor of removing the sign. One reason cited was that the presence of a concealed carry could help avoid a tragic mass shooting incident.

Alderman Witzel said he wasn’t sure if those comments were representative of the population, but he felt posting the sign may be overreaching. Later, he stated the removal of the sign may create a false sense of security.

Alderman Chris Jockheck added, “Why in Marshfield, Wisconsin does anyone feel unsafe? Why does anyone feel that carrying gun will make them feel better? I just don’t get that mentality.”

The Common Council voted 5-4 against removing the sign to allow concealed carry with one alderman absent.

Council Debates Removing Sign Prohibiting Firearms at City Hall