Perspective

Let the Mayors Lead

As local politicians attempt to keep government from grinding to a halt, they need the support of an involved citizenry.
Douglassville, Ga., Mayor Rochelle Robinson, center and North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph, right.Cliff Owen/AP

In the wake of the Parkland tragedy, mayors of Florida cities—and other local leaders across the nation—want to help protect children from gun violence by passing common sense laws, but in many cases, their hands are tied by state governments that ban local regulation of firearms.

Unfortunately, the use of state laws to stop or ‘preempt’ local lawmaking is not limited to guns.