Gun Enthusiasts Seek Council Recall

Gun enthusiasts who are angry over the Whittier City Council’s ban on assault rifles have begun a recall drive aimed at the entire council.

The notice of intent to recall the council, filed by three Whittier residents opposed to the ban, also cited as a reason for removal from office the council’s failure to act on a controversial proposal to limit apartment construction.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Councilman Gene H. Chandler. “It discredits the people who are intelligently trying to do something about zoning.”

Activists who want to limit apartment construction distanced themselves from the recall effort. “We have nothing to do with it,” said Whittier Conservancy President Michael Sullens.

The recall notice named Chandler, Mayor Vincent A. Lopez and Councilmen Myron Claxton, Thomas K. Sawyer and Robert F. Woehrmann, criticizing them for “abuse of powers” and “endangering the public health and safety” by enacting the assault rifle ban.