Collin County Commissioners Pass Resolution In Support Of 2nd Amendment
McKINNEY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Collin County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution in support of the Second Amendment.
The 5-0 vote came after citizens shared a mix of opinions on the matter.
Collin County Judge Chris Hill and the other four Republican Commissioners backed the resolution.
While it is part of the same oath every elected official takes to uphold the Constitution, it also reaffirmed the Second Amendment.
Before the vote, those on both sides of the gun control debate, sounded off.
The Commissioners Court did not post the text of the resolution before Monday's meeting.
People read it after the public comment period ended.
Judge Hill said residents have asked him and elected officials in other counties to make affirming statements of the 2nd Amendment after former Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke said as President, he favored passing a new law that would require a mandatory buy-back of assault style rifles such as AK-47s and A-R 15s.
Hill made a post this weekend to Nextdoor that several speakers brought up as being divisive, in which he said leftists, "establish themselves as kings, ignoring the legislative process violating their oath of office. By contrast, we declare our support for the laws of our state and nation..."
In an interview after the vote, the Judge said he felt compelled to call-out O'Rourke.
"Those who agree with him, I would say they're being divisive," said Judge Hill. "Those who don't agree with him like myself, we would say this is just a natural way to affirm our Constitutional rights."
The resolution is non-binding.
But Judge Hill called it an important statement.
Collin County's Democratic Party Chair Mike Rawlins called Monday's action unnecessary and ridiculous.
"We regard it as a ridiculous, partisan exercise to gin up support for gun rights extremists," he said.
Here is the resolution:
A resolution of the Collin County Commissioners Court, reaffirming our support for the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
WHEREAS, we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal, that with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; and
WHEREAS, for the benefit and protection of all people, these unalienable rights are enumerated and enshrine laws of the United States and the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it of the
RESOLVED, we hereby reaffirm our sacred oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws State of Texas. So help us God.
Earlier this month, Ellis County Commissioners passed a similar resolution.
Other nearby counties to do the same are Hood, Kaufman, Palo Pinto and Parker.