I strongly support Governor McAuliffe's order barring possession of firearms in buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth and endorse the proposal to make it permanent.  I only regret that political paralysis in the General Assembly essentially makes it impossible to go further.  Barely a day goes by when I do not read in the Times-Dispatch that one or more persons has been shot, many of them killed, and yet the General Assembly does nothing.  Creating a safe zone in state-owned or occupied buildings is little enough, but it is better to light one candle than simply to curse the darkness.  We are surrounded by darkness, but at least this is one little candle.

Thank you for considering my comment.

Respectfully submitted,
George A.  Somerville