Campbell to lift gun restrictionPermit-holders can carry in parks

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Campbell to lift gun restrictionPermit-holders can carry in parks By Luke E. Saladin, Post staff reporterCampbell County soon will allow people with permits to carry concealed guns in its parks.County Attorney Justin Verst recommended Wednesday that the Fiscal Court change the county's current ordinance, which prohibits firearms in all county buildings and parks. He recommended the county modify the ban to make it apply only to county buildings.Fiscal Court gave preliminary approval to the measure Wednesday and will take final action later this month.The change is based on recent clarifications of the state's concealed weapons law, which allows those with permits to carry firearms in open-air spaces, including parks and other outdoor spaces owned by the county.''State law requires us to make the change,'' Verst said. ''The county is not allowed to prohibit people from carrying firearms in parks as long as they have the proper permit.''Campbell Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and county commissioners agreed with Verst that the county ordinance needs to comply with state law. Pendery said he believes common sense will keep people from abusing the measure.''I don't think people will just start showing up in parks with guns,'' he said. ''Hopefully, people will continue to act responsibly when it comes to carrying firearms. Either way, it's a state law, and we're required to follow it, so we will.''Kenton County also has ordinances that prohibit anyone other than law enforcement officers from carrying guns in county parks.Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson said, if necessary, county officials will review local ordinances to assure compliance with state law.However, Edmondson said the matter ''has not come up and has not been an issue of concern'' in Kenton County.Boone County Administrator Jim Parsons said Boone County law only prohibits firearms in government buildings so no ordinance needs to be amended.