Gun-control advocacy group picks new leader

[CHAUKA]

In the Paper this morning....

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07362/845032-100.stm

Gun-control advocacy group picks new leader
Friday, December 28, 2007
By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
HARRISBURG -- Joe Grace, a lawyer and a former journalist, knows what it's like to be on the hot seat. He's been communications director for Philadelphia Mayor John Street for the past 2 1/2 years.

But with Philadelphia getting a new mayor, Michael Nutter, in January, Mr. Grace is changing jobs, and effective Jan. 14 he'll have another challenge as the new executive director of CeaseFire PA, a nonprofit group that says it is "dedicated to preventing gun violence.''

CeaseFire PA has joined with Gov. Ed Rendell, another former Philadelphia mayor, in pushing for three new gun control laws from the state Legislature. One would limit gun buyers to one handgun a month; another would require owners to report lost or stolen guns to police within 24 hours; and another would let towns and cities enact their own gun laws, which could be stricter than state law.

Currently only the state Legislature can enact gun laws, and with the large number of target shooters, sportsmen and hunters in Pennsylvania, plus the political clout of the National Rifle Association, many legislators don't want to vote for the gun control measures.

"We're hiring Joe Grace because it's time for CeaseFire PA to take its growing coalition in support of stronger handgun laws to the next level,'' said Phil Goldsmith, president of the group. "We need an experienced campaign strategist who understands what it takes to achieve results. Joe is that person.''

Mr. Grace has also worked on several successful U.S. congressional races and was deputy campaign manager for Mr. Rendell when he first ran for governor in 2002.


First published on December 28, 2007 at 9:55 am