SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano County Board will welcome in the community and take a vote on becoming a sanctuary county for the 2nd Amendment, or the Right to Bear Arms.

The issue has been a topic of discussion since last year when other counties in the state did the same. The resolution was brought before the Public Safety Committee last year, and has been on hold due to COVID-19.

“It has been a whole year now, so it is time to make a move,” County Board Chairman Tom Kautza said. “It did pass through a committee and was moved to the full board so I always felt it deserves its day in front of the board.”

The issue sparked some public comment at the committee meeting with people speaking on both sides of the issue. Kautza says it really just asks a question.

“It would just confirm that we support the Second Amendment and the Constitution.”

Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber has been asking for this vote to take place and says it is important not only that it passes, but who votes yes.

“It reaffirms their commitment to uphold the Constitution and the oath that they took.”

Bieber says to him, it does not stop with the 2nd Amendment.

“I would like to see all of them vote yes on it and I would love another vote that would show support for the rest of the Bill of Rights. Nobody really knows where our representatives stand until they have to vote on something.”

The vote will take place at the County Board meeting next Wednesday at 3:00pm. The meeting will take place at the County Board Room and the public is welcome to attend.