Buckeye Reporter

As 2025 begins, attention may be drawn to national and global events, including Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office. However, it is important not to overlook local developments. Former House Speaker Tip O'Neil's statement that "All politics is local" serves as a reminder of this focus.

This fall will see elections for new members of city councils, township trustees, and school boards, with some primaries taking place in the spring. According to Joe D. "Buck" Ruth from Buckeye Firearms Association, many candidates may not support gun rights.

Cities like Cincinnati have been noted for their actions against gun owners. In 2023, Cincinnati passed legislation requiring gun owners to report stolen firearms or face fines. Although this aligns with state law, the city also imposed a $200 fee for returning recovered guns if theft was not reported.

The Ohio Supreme Court's 2010 ruling on ORC 9.68 prohibits cities from enacting municipal gun laws; however, courts have been inconsistent in upholding this ruling without personal fines as seen in Florida.

Even small towns and townships are advised to watch their elections closely. In Norwood, a suburb of Cincinnati, an ordinance was passed in January 2023 prohibiting the sale or auction of surplus firearms by the city council. Council member John Breadon opposed this ordinance as "a symbolic gesture."

Breadon emphasized that elections have consequences: "If you are out there and you are like-minded like myself that really think that the Constitution is important and that our right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon — and that's exactly what it says — and I feel like that's what's happening."

Ohio's public school boards must follow state laws but often enact "zero tolerance" rules on weapons and lookalike weapons. Many candidates may push for resolutions urging the Ohio General Assembly toward gun control measures rather than allowing teachers and staff to carry firearms under a 2022 state law.

Supporters of the Second Amendment should monitor meeting agendas for city or village councils, school boards, and trustees per Ohio's Open Meetings Act (sunshine laws). The Buckeye Firearms Association encourages vigilance among its supporters: "We must remain one."

Joe D. "Buck" Ruth is a longtime small-game hunter and gun owner who manages Buckeye Firearms Association’s website and social media channels.