Aspen City Council’s proposal to ban people from carrying guns in city-owned buildings was characterized by members of the public Monday as “laughable” and “silly.”

Just over a half dozen people spoke during public comment, telling council not to pass the new law, which elected officials passed on first reading.

“It seems to imply you know better than us,” said one woman who lives in Garfield County, calling council’s action “laughable.”

“The audacity of you.”

Another Garfield County resident told council she does not want to be disarmed in Aspen and it’s her Second Amendment right to carry a gun.

“You are not above the Supreme Court and you are not above the law of the land,” she said, saying Aspen’s effort is silly.

Councilman Skippy Mesirow told that woman that when he saw her gun strapped to her leg, he couldn’t concentrate on anything else and he felt a wash of fear come over him.

“It was a complete shift of energy,” he said.

“I’m sorry that your concentration is so small,” she shot back. “My rights do not end where your fears begin.”

The ordinance was introduced after council members heard from some city staffers who said they want to feel safe in their workplace.

And with increased deadly weapon violence around the United States, council members are concerned for the personal safety of visitors, guest and employees.

Councilman Ward Hauenstein said it’s a symbolic measure and would not be actively enforced with metal detectors or searches.

“This is not a politically correct measure,” he said, adding it’s to protect the public and city staff, the latter of which are not allowed to carry weapons in their workplaces.

Hauenstein also said he doesn’t agree with open carry laws.

“I think open carry is stupid because you become the first target in an incident,” he said.

Councilwoman Rachel Richards pointed out that several large companies like Walmart and Walgreens have banned guns from entering their stores.

Aspen resident Andrew Sandler said he doesn’t want to be in a place where he can’t defend himself and guns are necessary for that.

“You can’t legislate against crazy,” he said.

Aspen residents Bob Morris and Phyllis Bronson separately supported council and the ordinance.

“I commend council for taking such a proactive stance,” Morris said, adding he is currently applying for a concealed weapon permit.

Bronson said gun control is the No. 1 issue in this country and anyone who thinks guns are the answer is wrong.

“Aspen is not Garfield County and we can make our own decisions,” she said.

Council will consider the ordinance again on second reading Oct. 8.

csackariason@aspentimes.com