The Changing Face of Gun Politics in America
Our gun debate is in the beginning phase of a significant transformation.
(Still from Guns Out TV featuring John Keys and Shermichael Singleton.)
The onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 brought with it grave concerns about societal chaos, which drove Americans to wait in long lines outside gun stores just to get a chance to buy something to protect themselves and their families. As the pandemic set in and Americans faced lockdowns, prisoner releases, and shortages, accompanied by a spike in homicides, demand for guns stayed at record levels. Racial unrest and rioting sparked by the killing of George Floyd, and the attendant calls to “defund the police” drove even more Americans of all backgrounds to their local gun shops. Then Democrat Joe Biden, who has promised strict new gun-control measures, won the presidential election.
Gouldsboro votersâ OK sought to explore alternative policing
GOULDSBORO â Voters once again will decide whether their town should continue to have its own police department or contract for law enforcement services from the Hancock County Sheriffâs Department at the annual Town Meeting June 9.
The persistent issue resurfaces in the wake of Police Chief John Shivelyâs May 4 resignation. Citing unfounded complaints lodged against him, Shively makes the townâs third police chief in six years.
At their May 6 meeting, selectmen voted 2-1 with one abstention to draft a warrant article asking voters to permit the board âthe option of entering into a contract for police coverageâ for the town of Gouldsboro with the Hancock County Sheriffâs Department.
Sheriffâs Office announces two promotions
ELLSWORTH â Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane announced the promotion of two patrol deputies on May 4.
Kane made the announcement at the Hancock County Commissioners meeting, which was held online because of the pandemic.
Deputy Dan Harlan has been promoted to patrol sergeant.
âDan started as a corrections officer here,â Kane said. Harlan wanted to work in law enforcement but there was no opening, so he went to work for the Bucksport Police Department for a few years before coming back to the county to work as a deputy.
âHeâs just an outstanding leader,â Kane said.