County commissioner, police chief to hold gun law discussion
Dec. 2—Jackson County Commissioner Dave Dotterer and Ashland Police Department Chief Tighe O'Meara will discuss what community members need to know about Oregon gun laws from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ashland library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd.
The free event is part of the Big Ideas discussion series sponsored by Jackson County Library Services and the American Association of University Women.
Oregon gun laws face major changes after state voters narrowly approved Measure 114 in November. Under the measure, anyone who wants to buy a gun would have to obtain a permit, pay a fee, complete an approved firearms safety course at their own expense, submit a photo ID, be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check.
Measure 114 also bans the sale or transfer of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Exactly how the state will implement the measure, and whether it will withstand court challenges, remains unknown.
Supporters say the measure will reduce mass shootings, homicides, suicides and accidental shootings. Opponents say it tramples on second amendment rights to bear arms and interferes with people's ability to hunt and defend themselves.
Since joining Ashland Police Department in 2010, O'Meara has served as a patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and as deputy chief over both the operations and support divisions. He's a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police and the Police Executive Research Forum.
Dotterrer took office as a Jackson County commissioner in January 2021. He is the board of commissioners' liaison to the city councils of Ashland, Central Point, Phoenix and Talent, and also serves as the board liaison to the Ashland Gun and Archery Club, Ashland YMCA and several other local organizations.
