Trustees support, question concealed-carry exception

River Hills - Trustee Mike White voted for a new ordinance that prohibits people from carrying concealed weapons in the village's public buildings, its Village Hall and police station and Public Works garage, but White wondered about its value.

"This ordinance isn't very helpful with someone who has intent to do harm," he said.

Village President Robert Brunner agreed.

"But," he said," it might have an impact on four or five people who could come in with guns without any intent to use them but who would use them."

White said he saw the theoretical advantage to concealed carry.

"There is a theoretical advantage to have a sound-minded citizen brandishing a firearm if a whacko comes in," White said.

That said, White and the rest of the Village Board voted unanimously to enact the ordinance, which applies to the general public but not to police officers.