Sen. Wyden visits Sisters, talks gun safety

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., was in Central Oregon Friday to begin a series of town hall meetings.

At the first, in Sisters, he touched on a number of issues, including the gun debate happening in Washington.

More than 400 people, including Sisters High School students packed the auditorium for Wyden’s appearance.

He told the group that citizens have the right to bear arms, but more most be done to ensure the responsible use of weapons.

Wyden called for improved background checks and greater access to better mental health care.

The senator said he has always supported harsh penalties for those who commit gun crimes. But now he said gun owners must take greater responsibility for locking up weapons, and Congress must do something about gun transfers.

“I think more needs to be done to ensure there is oversight over when weapons transfer from one owner to another. I think all of that really amounts to gun sense,” he said.

Wyden also called for greater bipartisanship to pass new laws.

The senator also held a town hall meeting Friday evening in Prineville and holds another at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Madras Senior Center