Algonquin tries end-run on gun permit bill

FirstElectricNewspaper.com (FEN) reports on the end-run by the Village of Algonquin, when the popular Crystal Lake municipal-law firm threw its weight around on one of the most-talked-out provisions (now) in the pending bill on concealed carry.

Attorney Brad Stewart of Zukowski, Rogers, Flood & McCardle, identified by FEN as a "gun law expert", apparently gave some incorrect information to the Village Board of Algonquin. FEN reports, "Some parts of the pending law are pretty clear, Stewart said. For instance, the presumption that applicants should be issued a concealed gun carry license but allows police to object 'if there's a very good reason.'"

That is not right. Law enforcement (LE) officials can object to an application for a concealed carry license if LE believes that the applicant is a danger to himself or others. That is a very narrow classification and gives the applicant an opportunity to fight a specific objection.

And there is no "presumption" that applicants "should" be issued ...  The bill waiting on the governor's desk says "shall issue".

The legislature wisely (albeit under considerable pressure and close watching) passed a "shall issue" law to avoid exactly the type of situation that Stewart described. How do you ever fight "very good reason"?

Read FEN's article here.

EVERY municipality in McHenry County must now be watched carefully. Zukowski, Rogers et al. represents a fair number of local municipalities. Other law firms share the rest of the pie.

So, maybe Gov. Quinn shouldn't sign HB0183, and Illinois will just go to Constitutional Carry on July 9. Let Chicago slide on down the drain. Stay clear of Cook County. Of course, that's pretty hard on McHenry County residents who have to go there daily for their bread and butter. You guys might try armor-plating your vehicles and buying some Kevlar clothing.