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Ardsley Mayor Robert Porcino and Irvington Mayor Brian C. Smith join Swiderski as Rivertowns members of the mayors organization.
Swiderski said Mayors Against Legal Guns, established by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, was working toward getting state and federal governments to take action on gun control issues following the recent deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
"We were appalled and stricken by the senseless and vicious slaughter in Newtown," Swiderski said. "For many, this felt like a tipping point, an act of madness that could not just be ignored and passed by."
Swiderski said the village and the school district has responded, going through a process of re-examining security protocols and has changing some practices.
Hastings Schools Superintendent Roy R. Montesano said on Dec. 22 that after a review of security measures, the Hastings Police Department was assisting with security efforts, including a walk-through of each building as part of its daily routine.
Mayors Against Illegal Guns released a new television ad Tuesday featuring Roxanna Green, mother of Christina-Taylor Green, a nine year-old girl murdered in the Tucson shooting that wounded Rep. Gabby Giffords and killed six people.
Swiderski said he hoped residents would take an active part in the process as lawmakers studied the gun issue.
"This is really not a local issue so much as a state and national one, where the governing laws are set," Swiderski said. "[Mayors Against Illegal Guns] has issued a concrete set of proposals that I have joined in endorsing. As proposals work their way through the state and national levels, [residents] should participate by expressing your sentiments to your elected officials."
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