Friday, July 09, 1999
Councilmen question purpose of gun suit
BY ANNE MICHAUD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Saying that the purpose of a city lawsuit against gun makers is unclear, two members of City Council have called for a special meeting this month to re-examine it.
Councilman Paul Booth, who voted to proceed with the lawsuit in April, said Thursday that it's unclear the lawsuit will make citizens safer. He joined Councilman Charlie Winburn, an opponent of the lawsuit, in calling for the special meeting.
Mr. Booth's action raises the possibility that Cincinnati could opt out of the lawsuit, though he said he will not necessarily call for a new vote or change his vote.
Council voted 5-4 in favor of spending up to $100,000 to sue handgun makers to recover the costs of gun-related violence. About two dozen other U.S. cities also are targeting those who make and sell guns.
Mr. Booth wants Police Chief Tom Streicher and the city solicitor's office to give opinions on whether the lawsuit will aid police in dealing with gun violence.
“I just think we need clarification,” Mr. Booth said. “A number of good issues have been raised by Mr. Winburn as well as citizens.”
This week, Mr. Winburn proposed to use the money for the legal battle to help victims of gun violence in stead. He called on liability lawyer Stanley Chesley, lead council in Cincinnati's gun lawsuit, to take the case pro bono.
Mr. Chesley replied that Mr. Winburn is “misfocused” on the intent of the lawsuit. He said the focus is on forcing the gun industry to make guns safer, eliminate the illegal gun market and pay for studies and advertising campaigns focused on handgun safety.
Proponents say the suit is justified by the level of gun violence in the city over the past six years, including 107 gun-related homicides, 84 suicides and six accidental shootings.
Mr. Booth said he hopes to announce a date for the meeting today.
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