Cherry Tree, PA

GUN FOR EVERY HOME IN CHERRY TREE?:

The first amendment provides the right to bear arms, but should every household have a gun?

In one local borough, there is a push to do just that.

Citing that homeland defense begins in the home, Cherry Tree borough council member Henry Statkowski recommended every home in the borough have a gun, stock ammunition, and undergo firearm safety training.

Statkowski said his ordinance is only a statement. If passed, it would only be on the books. Owning a gun would not be mandatory, and the ordinance would only serve "to warn criminals."

Some residents said they're afraid if there were more guns around it would increase the risk of children being accidentally harmed or killed.

Other residents said they think it's a good idea.

Cherry Tree resident Robert Gray said, "If everyone owned a gun, then it would definitely a deterrent someone think twice."

The proposed ordinance was discussed at the November borough council meeting and was given to the borough solicitor for review. The proposal is scheduled to be on the agenda again at the Dec. 6 council meeting.

This ordinance is modeled after one recently passed in Idaho. If passed in Cherry Tree, it would be the first ordinance of its kind in Pennsylvania.

That won't be controversial.