Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Greensboro City Council Approves Plan To Donate Proceeds From Gun Show

Attendees gather for Tuesday's City Council meeting which included a public comment period. BETHANY CHAFIN/WFDD

Greensboro residents packed a City Council meeting Tuesday night to take up the issue of guns. This comes on the heels of a debate surrounding the city's annual Gun & Knife Show held at the Coliseum Complex.

The community had discussed canceling the show following the February shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead.

But that decision belongs to Coliseum Director Matt Brown. Mayor Nancy Vaughan asked the Council to consider an alternative.

"One thing that I would like to propose for this year, since we do have a contract for this year, is that any proceeds from the gun show go to the gun stoppers program," she said.

The City Council unanimously approved the measure, and Vaughan called it a "small victory."  

Over a dozen community members took to the podium Tuesday; the majority were in favor of stricter gun laws, saying that gun shows allow for loopholes, letting purchasers avoid waiting periods and background checks. Others argued that the gun show should remain in place.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate