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Dates to remember:
¯ Regular county commission meeting, 9 a.m. Thursday, 1115 Gilman Ave.
¯ Viewing to vacate Bartlett Street, 10:30 a.m. May 6, intersection of South Street and Ohio 555.
Source: Washington County Commission Clerk.
It was standing room only at Thursday's Washington County Commission meeting as the board declared the county a "Second Amendment Sanctuary."
Commissioner Jamie Booth read the resolution, which states in part that the board has "all taken such oaths and are obligated to support the Constitution of the United States, including the Second Amendment. And whereas, the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County does not have unlimited authority, but only the authority granted to it by the Ohio legislature."
He said the resolution was an effort to protect the county's citizens.
Commission President Kevin Ritter was on the board when the resolution first was proposed and opposed it at the time.
"While I'm a supporter of the Second Amendment and a concealed carry holder, I opposed passing a resolution at that time," said Ritter. "My reasoning was this … as Americans, we already enjoy a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. That right is reaffirmed in the Ohio Constitution. As such, I saw a local resolution as redundant."
He said the board lacks the power to legislate, so any resolution the board passed would be symbolic, but he said times have changed.
"The present occupant of the White House said repeatedly during his campaign that if elected, he would sidestep the legislative process, and use the executive power of the presidency on gun control," stated Ritter. "He has made good on that promise. Just two weeks ago, in a Rose Garden speech, the president indicated just what sort of a defender of the Constitution he intends to be when he stated 'no amendment to the constitution is absolute.'"
Booth said this resolution took effect immediately.
"In my view, there exists today at both the state and federal level, a significant threat to the Second Amendment," explained Ritter. "It is because of that threat, and with a full understanding that our actions today are symbolic, that I favor this resolution. It's time to send the state and federal capitals a message, the citizens of Washington County do not intend to surrender our right to bear arms."
Commissioner Charlie Schilling told the packed room that he supported the Second Amendment group. He added he was proud the commissioners could pass the resolution.
"I think it's important," said Schilling.
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A second resolution was passed by the commission in support of renaming the Veterans Service office in memory of Veteran Service Officer Chad Wright.
Wright was a U.S. Marine combat veteran who died May 23, 2020. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Schilling read the resolution to the room, which included Wright's widow, Sarah, and Jared Smith, president of the Washington County Veteran's Service Commission.
"I think it's important … when it comes to the true spirit of giving, I think Chad really exemplified that," said Schilling.
The resolution stated Wright was hired in 2012 and continued to work as a VSO until his death. He was also a co-founder of the Mid-Ohio Valley Veterans Outreach, a nonprofit organization designed to assist veterans in their time of need.
"He would change somebody's life within 24 to 72 hours," Smith said. "He could take somebody and give a little bit of money to him through the night, but then the very next day, come back and be able to bring the resources in to give him a house, get him employed and really change his life."
He said Wright was a legendary figure and it was only fitting that they honor him by renaming their building the Washington County Chad D. Wright Veteran Service Office.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at
mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.