The organization asked members to call Brenner and other mayors around the country.
By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated: 09/14/2009 11:16:54 PM EDT

The National Rifle Association has launched a campaign to persuade mayors, including York Mayor John Brenner, to quit the group Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

A card mailed to local NRA members urges them to call or write to Brenner and tell him to leave the group.

"It is critical that your mayor disassociate himself from this anti-gun group," the card states.

The orange card states that Mayors Against Illegal Guns was created by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg "as a front group to lobby Congress to oppose important pro-gun reforms and support new federal gun control restrictions."

The Web site for Mayors Against Illegal Guns describes the organization as a coalition of mayors aimed at supporting legislation and policies to help law enforcement target illegal guns.

Brenner said he does not plan to leave the group and said the postcard contains incorrect information.

He joined to work with other mayors to "address the serious problem of illegal guns in our communities," he said.

The mayor said York residents have been dealing with gun violence, and it's his responsibility to find solutions.

But he said he has "great respect" for those involved in sportsmen's activities and wouldn't do anything to curtail their rights.

Brenner said the city received some calls because of the card, but he couldn't say how many. No callers were city residents, he said, though some refused to identify themselves.

An NRA representative could not be reached for comment. On the organization's Web site, members are urged to look through a nationwide list to see if their mayors are part of the group.

"Help your mayor make the right choice between protecting your Second Amendment rights or continuing to be associated with those who actively oppose and undermine your firearms freedom," it states.

Springettsbury resident Darwin Doll, a lifetime member of the NRA, said he received the card but didn't bother calling the city about it.

"It's like talking to a stone wall," he said.

He'd prefer Brenner not be in the mayors' group, he said, "but you know . . . that's only one opinion."

Ron Scheeler, an NRA member from Springettsbury Township, said he received the card, too, but didn't call.

The retired state police commander said he still has a permit to carry a gun.

"I believe I have a right to do this," he said. "I also believe people have a right to state their point of view also."
amason@ydr.com; 771-2048

Other affiliation
York Mayor John Brenner is also a member of the group PA Mayors for Gun Safety, which led an effort to have communities establish requirements for reporting lost and stolen guns.

A proposed law didn't garner enough support on the York City Council, but a resolution urging the state to consider one is scheduled for action Tuesday.

Online
National Rifle Association: www.nra.org

Mayors Against Illegal Guns: www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org