Levett says he supports Second Amendment rights

Thursday, January 31, 2013
© Copyright 2013 Rockdale Citizen

Alice Queen

Editor

alice.queen@rockdalecitizen.com

CONYERS -- Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said Thursday he stands in agreement with a statement issued by the Georgia Sheriff's Association in support of the Second Amendment.

The Georgia Sheriff's Association, representing 159 elected sheriffs in Georgia, stated this week that it will support the Constitution and "aggressively oppose federal or state legislation which infringes upon law-abiding citizens' right to bear arms.

"The sheriffs further agree to support any legislation that would effectively penalize criminals who use firearms in the commission of crimes," the statement concludes.

"As an elected constitutional officer, I answer to the residents of Rockdale County," Levett said in a statement issued Thursday. "While my office does enforce Georgia laws, I have no duty to enforce any federal law or mandate. That said, I will continue to protect and defend the Constitutional rights of Rockdale County residents by supporting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and by being tough on criminals."

Several sheriffs in Georgia have joined a national movement opposing federal legislation that would ban certain firearms and ammunition that they deem to be contrary to the Second Amendment. Sheriffs in Cherokee, Gilmer and Oconee counties have made public statements against President Obama's proposals for stricter gun control in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., tragedy.

Levett, who was elected to his first term in November, said he believes he can better support the Second Amendment rights of Rockdale residents by providing ways they can be responsible with firearms.

"I plan to offer some upcoming gun safety classes that will cover basic gun safety, Georgia laws regarding guns, and even allow participants the opportunity to use their guns at our gun range under the supervision of firearms instructors," said Levett. "More information about these classes will be available in the near future."

More like this story

County to study gun allowances ( April 13, 2010 )
Sheriffs oppose change in state's seizure law ( February 4, 2013 )
Rockdale Phone Poll - 04/18/09 ( April 18, 2009 )
Levett wins race for sheriff ( November 9, 2012 )
Historic election tops stories in Rockdale ( December 31, 2012 )

thescot 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I am very happy to see that Sheriff Levett has demonstrated that he is a wise man of fine character, as I knew him to be. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone who will support and defend the Constitution of the United States as I vowed to do 40 years ago. Thank you, Sheriff.

Sundance 3 months, 2 weeks ago

This is no surprise to me. This man has a brain. He is the only democrat elected this time around that I care for. He has good sense and wants make this a good town to live in. I can see your point if you dont like Hadley, Nesbitt, and Oden and the others who slipped into jobs they dont really know how to do because they are basically people who cant get a job any other way besides talking their way into one that is over their head. (I know that sounds harsh but it just looks that way. I hope I am wrong.) But I wish you guys would let the sherrif situation simmer a while. Some of the negative comments I have seen are grasping at straws. I like his approach so far and truthfully, a lot of comments sound real whiney when there is no meat to your complaints. I do hope he is a good public speaker. It is only a matter of time before something big happens out here and he will need to talk to the press. We have all seen some bumpkins on the news over the years in different areas of the country that never were prepared to speak in public.

ClaytonBigsby 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I agree with you. I do like and respect Sheriff Levitt, and you're spot on--I feel like he's the ONLY one of that "slate" that is qualified. I think he is going to do a good job; he's not some transplant that came here looking to gain something. He's got roots here and I believe he cares about our community. I can't repeat that sentence about any of the other seven. If they had run where they grew up, I'd give them a bit more respect. "Nomadic opportunist" is the phrase that comes to mind with the rest of the "slate". Good luck, Eric--I'm behind you.

freddiemac 3 months, 2 weeks ago

The sheriff's office has been offering gun safety classes for years and I'm happy to hear that he is going to continue them.

kt 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I would gladly attend any workshops offered by the Sheriffs office to help me save money on ammunition by showing me how to be a better shot!

This is really a great stance to have. We have a constitutional right to bear arms, but taking the time and effort to make sure that those who want to do so responsibly, can have the knowledge to do so is great!

I will say, Sheriff Wignington just held these exact same classes this fall...

Turbo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

They are not going to supply your ammo..

kt 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Duh. They're going to save me money by instructing me on how to take someone out with minimal ammo needed.

VPublicola 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Thank you Sheriff Levette!

BOCWatch 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I am very glad to see this statement from Sheriff Levett; Sheriff Levett and Commissioner Van Ness were the only elected officials recently that joined around 90 Rockdale residents at Jim n' Nick's for a GeorgiaCarry.org/2nd Amendment meet up. All of the State legislators and BOC offices were invited. The photo shows about half of the crowd that attended.

by BOCWatch

johnq123 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I guess the Slate of 8 is now reduced to the "7 that act like they are 11"

Lorenzo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm not reading the usual arm-chair quarterbacks and uninformed opinion givers I usual read. Probably still getting their opinions via some talking head on TV.....nice. Sheriff Levett is doing what we knew he would. He's supporting the County, the Sheriff's Office and the Deputies. Give him some time, watch him work, be ready to be impressed. As for the other elected officials....not so much.

heypastorbob 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Thank you Sheriff for standing up for the US Constitution and the law abiding Citizens of Rockdale Co.

1ayk 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I stand corrected from a previous comment I have made and am glad to admit it. I only hope the other Democratic Sheriff's will do so as well.

travelingman 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I knew the day that Levett took office that things would get a lot better and they have. I seriously doubt that WiggingTON would have had the machismo to have made such a public non-political statement supporting the Second Amendment. We got a new sheriff in town and he is making improvements just as I predicted. I don't believe in judging people too quickly. I came to that conclusion right away. We can now enjoy the tranquility of an improving community.

Elmo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

TM, can't you be satisfied with Levett's statement without speculation as to what Wigginton would, or would not have done? Where is your dire hatred for the former sheriff coming from, did he once arrest you or something? Or is your disdain anchored in your hard left ideology?

As many have stated, "the election is over"...it's been over for about three months now.

We get it that you adore Levett, and this statement is encouraging, but your incessant slamming of a man who served this county for many years is a serious impediment to your man-crush on the new guy.

This stance on the 2nd Amendment has already been voiced by sheriffs all across America, as well as the 152 sheriffs in Georgia. Some have even went further than voicing support for the Constitution and have vowed to arrest and Feds that come in to invoke gun control.

So, be an adult, and try to congratulate your guy with piling on the guy who lost the election and graciously conceded to the new sheriff.

Frustrated 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I agree with Elmo. Stop with the bashing already. The election is over, Levette won, so let Wiggington be. Time will tell about how Levett will turn out.

Turbo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

It's WIGINGTON !!!!!!!!!!! get the spelling right !

Elmo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Aw, blow it out your spellcheck!

Rob 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Very good to hear! Glad to see Mr. LeVett has a mind of his own and will NOT comply with the Democrat marching orders to demonize all gun owners. You just earned a tremendous amount or respect from the citizens of Rockdale Mr. Levett!

Clark 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Don't be too sure. When all he has to do is say "I agree" with a pre-written statement backed up by sheriffs in a mostly Republican state and not create his own words, it's easy to say he "supports" something. I'll still wait and give more time before I can offer a definite opinion on how well he represents Rockdale.

Turbo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I guess the Citizen did not like my comment they would not post it last nite!!

Elmo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Maybe you misspelled something...

travelingman 3 months, 2 weeks ago

What part of "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" is so difficult to understand? This statement is obvious and not open for debate. I surmise that it was written that way intentionally. The intent of this amendment is to afford individuals the ability to ensure their own rights. The problem with Levett's predecessor is that he was amenable to a lower standard of the conduct of law and order. I insist that our elected and appointed officials conduct themselves honorably without disdain or repugnance. I also support the Constitution of the United States. And what could possibly be what is wrong with that?

roots 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Ahh, all this made me so happy, I took out all my Hand Guns and cleaned them. Took a while, but I got all of them cleaned and ready for use (if needed).

Turbo 3 months, 2 weeks ago

For the 3rd time my post wont be printed....The citizen loves Levett...and everyone please spell WIGINGTON...the right way !!!!!!!!

travelingman 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Get a grip Turbo. You look like you're about to have an aneurism. Well put Elmo. The former sheriff, WiggingTON isn't sheriff anymore. Oops, correction, I meant to spell it Wiggington. There, are you happy now? I'm sure he doesn't spell it in all caps followed by several exclamation marks although I'm sure his utility service provider spells his name in all caps.

Rockdale Citizen