To the Editor:

Whether you live in a city, the suburbs or a rural area, most people want to live in peaceful, safe communities. Living with a feeling of security fosters widespread trust and cooperation among residents.

This ideal is jeopardized by the dangerous, lax gun laws passed by Gov. (Mike) DeWine and Ohio Republicans in exchange for their short-term political power. Their irresponsible legislation allows our currently volatile society to be flooded with guns of all types. This, in effect, escalates our fear and distrust of each other, diminishes our sense of safety and freedom, and increases the potential for violence in our daily lives.

We have a chance to elect candidates, such as Nan Whaley and other Democrats, who care enough to push for universal background checks and no sales of military-style weapons to those under 21, just common-sense gun safety laws. Ohio needs laws that make our lives better, not disposable. We deserve to live in safe homes and communities.

Norma Jean Butterfield

Mount Vernon, Ohio