A gun for every home rejected

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A gun for every home, that's what one Marion County man was trying to propose to Belleview City officials Tuesday night.  Donny Barber stood before Belleview City Commissioners pitching a resolution suggesting the city urge homeowners to buy a gun and know how to use it. Barber says with the economy on a downward spiral and crime on the rise, community members need to protect themselves.

"The second amendment guarantees the right of individuals to protect and arm themselves. I believe it goes further than that," said Barber.

Commissioners were entertained by the notion but not sold on it. The proposed resolution shot down by city commission four to one.

"I don't feel comfortable encouraging people to go out and purchase firearms in the same vein. I don't feel comfortable discouraging people from purchasing firearms," said Michael Goldman, Belleview City Commissioner.
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At one point commissioners called Barber's residency into question, stating he doesn't live in Belleview City proper and neither do many of the resolution supporters.

"I grew up here. I know the politics here. I'm surprised at what happened, but I guess I shouldn't have been," said Barber.

Barber says he is disappointed but not discouraged. He plans to take his plan to Ocala City Council and Marion County Commission.