Close Gun Loophole

City Councilor and Mayoral candidate Bud L. Williams called for the"closing of the loophole" in the Bartley-Fox gun law of 1974 which exempts certain offenders from receiving a mandatory sentence for possession of a firearm.The sponsors of the legislation were David Bartley, former Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and retired Judge J. John Fox.Councilor Williams, following up on a crime prevention initiative released lastweek, stated:"It is time to close the loophole in the law which essentially gives some of those convicted of firearm possession to a get out of jail free pass." "there are too many guns on the streets of Springfield and closing this loophole will play a major role in reducing violence and sending violators to prison" Councilor Williams stated.The Bartley-Fox law allows for an exemption of the mandatory sentence provision. In calling for repeal of thatspecific subsection, Councilor Williams stated: "a violation of this law must result in a mandatory sentence. It is time we sent a message to criminals that there are no exceptions to the law. If you possess a gun and are charged by police you will face prison time - without exception."Councilor Williams served for 32 years as a Probation Officer and began his service in the Springfield District Court the year of implementation of Bartley-Fox. Councilor Williams stated: “This law has been on the books for the past 35 years. It has been an effective law enforcement tool. However, given the proliferation of guns on our streets, it is time to reexamine the law and make necessary changes for the protection of our citizens.”Regarding this legislative proposal, hearings will be scheduled with the City Council’s State and Federal Legislation Committee to solicit the support of the city’s legislative delegation.Councilor Williams stated “we need our state legislative delegation to assist in our crime prevention effort. This legislation will be a key component of my plan to reduce the level of crime and violence in the city.”

Bud Williams Announces Springfield Mayoral Run

About Bud L. Williams

Bud L. Williams is a people person. A community builder. An advocate. A trusted leader.A life-long resident of Springfield, Bud grew up in the heart of the city's North End. As a young man he worked at a family-owned grocery store in the neighborhood where he learned early on the value of hard work for a well-earned wage and reinvesting in the community.He knows the benefit of giving back to a city that gave him so much.Bud is a long-time public servant, serving for 16 years on the Springfield City Council. He is a believer in the city's young people. And an educator. A graduate of Roger L. Putnam High School, Bud exemplifies the value of Springfield's education system as a pathway to success. He earned degrees from Springfield Technical Community College, Westfield State College and a Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts. He has taught in the city's public school system, a charge that his family continues. His wife of 37 years Dr. Gloria J. (Bass) Williams is principal at Frank H. Freedman Elementary School; his daughter Keisa is an assistant principal, and his son Kamari, a graduate of Rhode Island College, works with city youth. Bud is chairman of the Trustee Board of Mount Zion Baptist Church; former co-chairman of the Springfield Youth Commission; a member of the city's Dads Make a Difference Program; a former member of the Dunbar Community Center Alumni Board and has coached for the Youth Sports Program.Bud is a fighter of public safety for the residents of Springfield. A man who takes a zero tolerance stance on crime.For 32 years, Bud worked as a probation officer in the Springfield District Court system. He has often stated that helping someone avoid trouble was the most rewarding part of his job, while watching someone get locked up was the worse."I believe public safety is the most important issue of our city because it affects so many other city issues such as economic development and job opportunity for residents,” Williams says. He also knows there is no "clean sweep" approach to improving public safety, but that a coordinated, comprehensive plan involving all levels of law enforcement and community support is needed to reduce crime and keep citizens safe.Bud is a man who speaks from the heart. Listens to the voices of the community. Works tirelessly to serve others.He has served two terms as President of the City Council and was a member of the Finance Control Board in 2008. He is chairman of the council's Planning and Economic Development Committee and has served on many community boards including the Urban League of Greater Springfield, the Salvation Army, and the South End Community Center.He's a grassroots kind of guy who believes in residents of Springfield.Bud supports Springfield Jobs for Springfield people. And attracting new businesses to the city to foster economic development. “I am willing, excited, and ready to rise to the challenge of continuing to serve the citizens of Springfield, and continuing to make sure that city government does what is best for the people.” “I ask for your vote for Mayor of the City of Springfield.He believes in a better Springfield.