More debate on guns in cabs

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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There's been talk in City Hall of allowing Cedar Rapids taxicab drivers to carry firearms while on the job. As it turns out, though, current city code is silent on that issue.

And that silence apparently means licensed cab companies in this community already have the power to decide whether their drivers should be allowed, or even required, to have a weapon on board.

Current code also does not require or prohibit other security measures in cabs, such as cameras or dividers between the driver and passenger areas.

We're not convinced that allowing guns in cabs makes anyone safer. But even if the current council eventually decides to ban them, a new state law may block the way.

Meanwhile, a public hearing on proposed changes to the taxicab ordinance is set for Tuesday's 5:30 p.m. City Council meeting

Confused?

Well, city Transit Manager Brad DeBrower told us Friday how the gun issue got to this point.

Two years ago, as city staff worked on revising the ordinance, the intent was to ban weapons in taxicabs and limousines. Then, last year, legislators changed state law so that more Iowans can get permits to carry guns. The controversial shall-issue law began this year.

“Then we felt our city ordinance probably should mirror what the state allows,” DeBrower said.

Thus, came the amendment on Tuesday's agenda that allows cabdrivers with legal permits to carry guns - essentially maintaining and updating the status quo - while making changes in some other rules for cabs.

Discussion about guns in cabs surfaced among City Council members after the death of Cathy Stickley, a cabdriver who was stabbed to death on April 29. DeBrower said the amendment's gun section is not a reaction to her murder; it's a reaction to the state law.

Some cabdrivers and residents wonder: If Stickley had carried a gun in her taxicab, could she have stopped her accused assailant?

No one knows for sure.

But we do agree with City Council member Justin Shields: The firearms issue needs more debate.

Should private cab companies, regulated by the city, have authority to arm their drivers? Is there evidence that guns, or knowing that drivers have guns, would deter criminals? Should passengers with valid permits be allowed to carry in a cab, too? Does the city have no recourse because of the state law?

Answers are in order.

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