Report on Panel Discussion, Lessons from Newtown

Lessons from Newtown: A Report on the Panel Discussion at Cove Church

 Donna M. Holland

Director, Education and Health & Wellness

Cove United Methodist Church

 On Sunday, 3 March, Cove United Methodist Church (Cove) and Lakewood Christian Church (LCC) held the first in a series of public discussions on important community issues. These discussions are part of the Church in the Community program. The two Churches share the sanctuary at 12501 Lake Avenue in Lakewood. The purpose of the series is to hold periodic events on topics of importance for our community. The first Church in the Community session focused on what we as a community can learn from the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut.

 The session on Lessons from Newtown opened with a prayer by Pastor Chris Stark of LCC and closed with a prayer by Pastor Darlene Robinson of Cove. Following the Program Introduction, a panel of experts discussed the numerous issues. The first presenter was William Denihan, Executive Director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County. Mr. Denihan emphasized that our community, like all communities, does not deal effectively with mental health issues. Yet one in four persons will have a significant mental health issue in their lives. The lack of effectiveness stems from a reluctance to face mental health issues generally. One of the consequences of not facing the matter is that funding for coping with mental health issues is quite small. In fact, Ohio distributes the inadequate funds equally among the 88 counties resulting in Cuyahoga County, the largest county with the most mental health issues, obtaining twenty cents ($.20) per person. In conclusion, Mr. Denihan stated we must be more serious about dealing with mental health issues and see that sufficient funding is made available.

 The second presenter was Nickie Antonio, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, from the 13th District which includes Lakewood. Ms. Antonio noted that the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature, has not addressed regulation of guns and related issues. In fact, the actions of the legislature has been to protect if not promote use of firearms in Ohio. The Ohio Constitution in Section 4 of Article I states, in part, “The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security.” In line with the spirit of this section, Ohio has enacted the right to have concealed weapons even in many public places. She is doubtful the current General Assembly will address the issue of gun regulation and that any action will most likely be from the federal government.

 The Third presenter was Kevin Butler, Law Director for the City of Lakewood. Mr. Butler noted that the state legislature has passed laws permitting state laws to pre-empt home rule. Home rule is the ability of an Ohio municipality, a village or city, to enact their own laws rather than have state law apply. However, Article XVIII of the Ohio Constitution, which lays out home rule in Ohio, permits the General Assembly to pass laws that all municipalities must follow. In many cases dealing with issues of firearms the Ohio legislature has passed what is called General Laws that supersede home rule. He also noted court cases which have affirmed state laws on firearms that override home rule. His conclusion was that Lakewood has very limited ability to legislate on such issues.

 The final presenter was Ken Trump, President and CEO of National School Safety and Security Services located in Cleveland. Mr. Trump is a consultant to schools on security issues and has appeared regularly on national network shows dealing with school security issues. Mr. Trump emphasized effective yet sensible ways in which schools can increase security. Often, staff are either not trained well in the use or over time cease to use them effectively. He noted that schools don't practice security measures very well. As a result, schools are not well prepared to implement what may on paper look like an effective plan for dealing with a potentially tragic incident. He concluded by calling attention to the most effective security process, communication among not only teachers and staff but teachers and staff with students. Many potentially tragic events have been averted with a student who has heard of another student planning such an event communicating that information to a teacher or staff. In essence, schools need leadership that takes security seriously and promotes effective communication among students, staff and teachers.

 Following these presentations, Dr. Larry Keller, Associate Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and a member of the Church, moderated a question and answer session. The audience queried the panel on all aspects of the issues and did so in a civil manner. No one stated an ideology or conclusion; all were seriously seeking solutions that would make our community and all of God's children safer. Dr. Keller concluded the session by noting that all presenters emphasized that there is no easy or complete solution but that we as a community can take actions that will improve our security and safety. To do so, we must have discussions such as we had today where we engage in serious but civil dialogue that deals with the real issues realistically and avoids labels and sterile ideologies.

 As part of the missions of The Churches, future events are planned. They will be announced on the Churches' websites – Cove United Methodist Church at coveumc.org and Lakewood Christian Church at lakewoodchristian.org. Churches are indeed sanctuaries where communities can leave animosities at the door and engage freely and deeply in dialogue over our differences.