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Local man working to bring initiative to voters that would allow school personnel conceal and carry

By Joanna Small
By Joanna Small

Millions across the country, in the nation’s capital and here in Washington State, marched for their lives Saturday. The students leading the movement are demanding stricter gun laws.

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Students are calling for a number of changes-- raising the age to 21 to purchase any gun, universal background checks, and banning the sale of assault-style rifles.

But one local man believes there's another way to protect students and he plans to take it to voters in November.

While Tyler Miller agrees with the protestors—gun violence must be stopped—he doesn’t agree with their solutions.

"I want to allow for people with concealed carry pistol licenses to carry on campus," Miller explained.

Miller says Initiative 1621 is his first political campaign, but the father of two young girls feels passionately that the best way to protect them in the classroom is to be prepared.

“I hope never to have to use it, just like I hope never to have to use my fire extinguisher in my house. I keep one though.  I think that’s the prudent thing to do,” Miller said.

While there’s been discussion about arming concealed carry licensed school personnel on a voluntary basis, no legislation is on the table and Miller believes what exists now is open to interpretation.

"The law strictly prohibits firearms unless you are military, law enforcement or a very loosely phrased ‘school district security activities.’  That’s a very vague term that’s subject to interpretation," he said. "What I want to do is make the law very clear as to what is allowed and what isn’t allowed."

And it's very clear that students want something to change.

In order to get the initiative on the November ballot, Miller has to collect roughly 259,000 signatures by July 6th.

Cox Media Group

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