Good turn out. Speakers were 37 against the ordinance and 12 for the ordinance. A number of those against were not local residents (including yours truly) but made great points.
Those for the ordinance resorted to the typical lines about being afraid, their right to not be afraid trumping our right to carry, and of course THE CHILDREN. Oh you should have heard some of the "statistics" they threw out there.....
guns are the leading cause of death for children
America has 20 times the firearms deaths of other countries
Guns kill more children than all diseases combined
And the list of lies went on and on and on.
In the end, the Council decided to send the matter back to another committee to examine all options and return with a recommendation. Some possibilities mentioned were:
Having citizens place an initiative on the ballot (requires 2500 sigs)
The Council placing a ballot question for community guidance
Passing the "ban"
Coming up with something real rather than symbolic
Basically, they punted, just like Ashland, and it will be back in some way, shape, or form.
One Councilor was so attentive to the voices of the people speaking that he rarely even looked away from his computer. Another sat there with his Cuban flag facing the audience, taunting us with his apparent hatred of America.....he also faced away from the flag and refused to participate in the pledge.
Now you or I have that freedom, but an elected official who has sworn an oath? I'm not so sure this man is legally qualified to hold that office. He was questioned on the matter, avoided it, and the Mayor admonished the speaker presenting the question.
The OathKeepers were present in force as was Kevin of Oregon Firearms Federation, Laughing at Liberals (YouTube) and OpenCarryUSMC (YouTube).
The Corvallis locals are working with Liberty Ashland on squashing this thing. Activists like me can help but there must be grass roots support from those in the community or their rights will be infringed!
I'll try to have video up on YouTube soon. There is also a petition that can be signed which will send an email to each councilor.....hit that puppy!!!!! LINK BELOW
https://www.change.org/p/city-of-corvallis-oregon-maintain-and-protect-the-right-to-self-defense-of-all-residents-and-citizens-through-the-lawful-open-carry-of-loaded-firearms-in-corvallis-oregon