The mayor of Lehighton has issued a proclamation in support of the Second Amendment.

Mayor Clark Ritter read the proclamation at Monday’s borough council meeting in which he proclaimed his ongoing commitment to the Constitution of the United States, the Second Amendment and the Constitution and laws of the commonwealth.

Ritter noted in his proclamation that this year marks the 234th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America.

“Upon my ‘swearing in,’ I pledged an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This oath is taken seriously and held in high regard by myself.

“In addition to my commitment to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I hold dear the fundamental and individual right of the people to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. In its affirmation of support to the Second Amendment, the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I will utilize my resources to oppose any proposed legislation that would infringe upon our citizenry’s right as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.”

Last month, council remained noncommittal on a resolution that would see the borough listed as a Second Amendment sanctuary.

Ritter at that time once again told council that he would like to see them pass the resolution, which he said continues to gather traction.

He said he believes in the Constitution, especially the First and Second Amendments.

However, Councilman Joe Flickinger told Ritter at that time that he didn’t see things the same way as Ritter, and that if council is going to do it for one, then it should be for all of them.

Ritter stressed at that time this is a push to preserve the Second Amendment, which he said is being attacked.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky noted at that time that as the wife of a police officer, she fully supports the Second Amendment, but that she’s concerned with its terminology.

It was then asked whether Ritter, in his role as mayor, could adopt a proclamation, to which borough solicitor Jim Nanovic answered in the affirmative.

Nanovic said he has reviewed the resolutions that have previously been adopted by Palmerton and Bowmanstown to have their respective boroughs listed as Second Amendment sanctuaries.

Abelovsky said at that time she supports Ritter should he choose to present a proclamation supporting the Second Amendment, and that since the issue would directly affect the police department, she believed any actions should come through the mayor and not council, as Ritter is the head of the police department.

The resolution was started up by Brandon Bell, who initially approached council with the petition in February.

Bell, a Jim Thorpe native who is the lead coordinator of the movement, has visited various boroughs and townships asking government officials to consider adopting an ordinance that typically rejects the enforcement of state or federal gun laws sensed to violate the Second Amendment. Bell is running for supervisor in Penn Forest Township.