DORI MONSON

Exclusive: Oak Harbor Coucilman Rick Almberg stands by attempted gun ban

Feb 6, 2013, 12:33 PM | Updated: 5:31 pm

Despite the controversy, Councilman Rick Almberg defends his attempt to take the gun away from a veteran at a City Council meeting.

Hundreds came to the latest City Council meeting, on the city’s gun laws, which ban gun from city parks. Many of them carried guns in support of their Second Amendment rights. The Council repealed the law, which they found was not consistent with the Washington State constitution.

Councilman Almberg gave an exclusive interview to The Dori Monson Show to explain why he walked out of a Council meeting last month.

“At that particular time I was going to exercise my First Amendment right to protest the ridiculousness of our state law,” said Almberg.

He said he wasn’t trying to do anything illegal by advocating for keeping guns out of city parks. He just wasn’t in a hurry to change a law he thought was appropriate and safe.

But the Second Amendment Foundation said they would sue the Oak Harbor City Council if they didn’t change the law, which they said was a violation of the Washington State constitution.

“When that came to us, it was right immediately after the Sandy Hook issue,” said Councilman Almberg, “and I reacted to that by saying I cannot believe that we’re going to sit here and say yes, it’s okay to do that – even though our City Attorney said that state law preempts the city ordinance that prohibits weapons in our park.”

For Dori it wasn’t just a matter of protest.

“Isn’t it your job, Councilman,” asked Dori, “to uphold the constitution rather than pick and choose the parts you agree with?”

The Councilman didn’t think he violated the constitution – or his oath of office – in any way. They just “chose to not take any action” when they delayed repealing the unconstitutional city ordinance after several meetings on the subject.

And when army veteran Lucas Yonkman spoke about carrying a gun for protection during a City Council meeting on January 15, Councilman Almberg decided to make a point with his motion to take Yonkman’s gun away.

Yonkman was shocked. He doesn’t just carry for personal protection, but to protect the people around him. He’s never pulled his gun in anger. He said that some police officers have told him that he has better training than they do.

But to Councilman Almberg it’s not a matter of training.

“When people are armed in council chambers,” said Almberg, “it intimidates other people to participate.”

He says it’s an “unfair advantage” and that guns could be used to intimidate people with unpopular or minority opinions.

When the motion failed, he says that he walked out in protest.

Although he doesn’t want guns in city parks, the Councilman said that he doesn’t want to ban guns completely. He just doesn’t buy the “good guys with guns” argument.

“I don’t need vigilantes to protect me,” said Almberg.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Exclusive: Oak Harbor Coucilman Rick Almberg stands by attempted gun ban