Editor,

Several weeks ago I submitted a letter in which I chastised state Sen. Barbara Bailey for her vote against the bill calling for a bump stock ban. At that time I did not have information on the votes of state representatives Dave Hayes and Norma Smith.

Since that time I have viewed some of the voting records for both representatives.

What I found in my limited research was disappointing. It appears that neither of these individuals support values that I consider essential to a well-functioning society.

Specifically concerning bump stocks, voting records show that Smith was absent and Hayes voted against the ban.

Furthermore, a March 24 Whidbey News-Times article quotes Dave Hayes as saying, “I don’t think that banning an accessory on a firearm is going to make safer communities.”

This is the most asinine statement I have ever heard from a law enforcement officer. I am sure if he ever has the choice of facing a perpetrator with a bump stock and 30-round magazine or one with a four-shot hunting rifle he would change his mind.

Hayes’ answer to school safety is to add more cops who will hide when the shooting starts. Someone should ask him if he ever touched an M-4 or carried a firearm as an aircraft mechanic.

I strongly urge District 10 voters to look at issues more than party lines in the upcoming elections.

I found 12 “no” votes from Hayes and Smith on bills that would have helped the majority of citizens. An indication of the leanings of our lawmakers is reflected by their 93 percent rating from the NRA and 20 percent from labor.

For the record, I am a firearm owner. I support safe handling and storage and fully support a ban on private ownership of all assault firearms.

John Boling

Coupeville