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Why is Saratoga Springs hosting a gun show downtown on Travers Weekend?

I cannot think of a single reason why this is a good idea when considering the fact that a gun show on Broadway means that thousands of firearms will be carried through our beautiful, family-friendly downtown streets during the busiest weekend in Saratoga Springs.

By allowing this gun show to occur, the city is contributing to the frenzied atmosphere of the sale of guns and ammunition that has occurred since the implementation of common sense gun control laws in this state and across the country.

By allowing this gun show to occur, the city is creating a venue where illegal activity has, and can, occur as evidenced by a state attorney general sting at a show hosted by this promoter at the city center several years ago.

By allowing this gun show to occur, the possibili- ty will increase that someone may be injured as evidenced by the fact that at least five individuals have been accidentally shot at several gun shows this year and may put city taxpayers on the hook for any liability costs that might ensue. By allowing this gun show to occur, more public safety resources will be needed on Broadway to ensure that no one gets hurt.

And last, but certainly not least, by allowing this gun show to occur, the city is providing a venue to a gun show promoter, David Petronis, who has written the following on his blog on the NEACA, Inc. website: “The majority of terrorists are Middle Eastern Muslims, internment camps were used effectively during our last World War, ergo — internment camps for Muslims appear apropos."

I want to be very clear that I am not advocating for the elimination of all gun shows. I am just taking the position that the city center, a taxpayer funded venue located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, is not the appropriate space for such an event. I hope that city officials will one day agree.

Susan Steer Saratoga Springs Susan Steer is a member of the group Sarato

gians for Gun Safety.