If the mayor of a South Jersey town had his way, the state's strict gun laws would be loosened.

Egg Harbor Township Mayor James "Sonny" McCullough faxed a letter to the Press of Atlantic City last week which said he carries a concealed firearm when he's in states that allow it.

McCullough wrote, "It is 70 years since the end of World War II and you think this world would be a safe place, it is not," according to PressofAC.com. The 73-year-old former state senator added that 20 years ago, he wanted do away with all firearms.

McCullough, a Republican, wrote the letter a day after a husband and wife killed 14 people, including a former Middle Township man, in a shooting at a San Bernadino, Calif. heath facility.

New Jersey's gun laws are among the toughest in the country. It is among nine "may issue" states. That means authorities have wide discretion to deny an applicant a permit to carry a weapon. It is also illegal to carry a long gun in New Jersey.

In addition, out-of-state permits are not honored in New Jersey.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.