I receive regular updates from the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) that included this conversation with the director of the Norfolk Airport. As VCDL President, Philip Van Cleave points out, he is none too happy about Virginians having the right to carry concealed firearms into non-secure areas of the airport.

Yesterday I made a courtesy call to Kenneth Scott, the executive director of the Norfolk Airport Authority, to make sure he was aware of the ramifications of HB1516 for the airport. The conversation went something like this (I am kicking myself for not having got a recording - kick, kick, kick):

Me: I wanted to make sure you were aware of a change in law concerning permit holders coming into effect on July 1. On that date, concealed carry permit holders can legally carry concealed in the non-sterile areas of the airport.

Mr. Scott: That does not effect us, we have a grandfathered ordinance on the books.

Me: Errrr - that is exactly what the new law does, it effectively removes all grandfathered ordinances that deal with carry, possession, and transport by permit holders.

Mr. Scott: I was told that the change in the law would not effect grandfathered ordinances.

Me: The General Assembly debated the measure and decided that it was more important that the laws be uniform across the state for permit holders. You can call the Norfolk City Attorney for more details if you like.

Mr. Scott: I will call our own attorney! (Now screaming at me) THIS IS A DISASTER!

Me: Mr. Scott - this only effects permit holders. People who have had training and a thorough background check. Permit holders do not commit crimes. Your airport will be safer.....

Mr. Scott: THAT IS YOUR OPINION AND I DISAGREE WITH IT. I AM ENTITLED TO MY OPINION. THIS IS A DISASTER!

(Margaret walks into the room at this point and can hear the screaming where she is standing and mouths to me "Who is that?")

I was just about to tell him that whether he trusted permit holders or not, I expected him to obey the law. But he beat me to the punch:

Mr. Scott: IF THAT'S THE LAW WE WILL OBEY IT!

Me: That's all I was checking on, sir. Thank you.

Whew! I think I lost some of the hearing in my right ear! ;) I have to view all of the yelling as more of a temper tantrum than anything else. He absolutely did not want to hear anything to dispel his prejudices against gun owners.
It was a disaster to him because bureaucrats hate losing any authority over the helpless, untrustworthy masses... Sheesh.