DeCologero Calls DiZoglio Gun Vote ‘Irresponsible’

NORTH ANDOVER – Calling Rep. Diana DiZoglio’s vote against comprehensive gun reform irresponsible and wrong, Phil DeCologero commended other area Representatives for supporting legislation which would make schools safer, address mental health concerns, and respect existing gun owners.  “This legislation earned the trust of all sides of a contentious issue and inexplicably Rep. DiZoglio has yet to explain her vote against the interest of her constituent’s rights and safety,” charged DeCologero.

“Our State Representative was the only Democrat in the Merrimack Valley who voted against this important legislation that treats both gun owners and safety advocates fairly,” said DeCologero.  “This legislation is a model – not just for addressing the issues surrounding gun control – but for how all legislation should be written with input from parties on both sides of the debate.”

DeCologero (D-North Andover), who is challenging Rep. DiZoglio (D-Methuen) for the Democratic nomination in the September 9th primary, said he was glad to see that Police Chief’s will no longer be able to unilaterally refuse licenses to residents without a written explanation and the possibility of appeal.

“This has been the number one complaint I’ve heard from gun owners as I have gone door to door,” said DeCologero. “Gun owners need to be able to trust the process, and so I am pleased to see this concern being addressed.”

DeCologero said he was happy to see that the House approved language for overseeing the sale of guns between private parties, while he also expressed support for language which promotes safe schools and students’ mental health needs.

“That this bill deals with a serious topic, in a thoughtful, meaningful way should not go unnoticed,” said DeCologero.  “Rep. DiZoglio owes the people of the Merrimack Valley an explanation.”

This is another in a series of votes where DeCologero says Rep. DiZoglio showed poor judgment.  This includes flip-flops on making all bills and votes available to the public online, Rep. DiZoglio’s reversal on opposing a regressive gas tax hike, and her collection of $2,470 in taxpayer funds to cover her own commute.

DeCologero, 27, formerly worked at the Massachusetts State House and, most recently, spent over two years as a member of Mayor Steve Zanni’s senior staff.  A life-long resident of the Merrimack Valley and graduate of Merrimack College, DeCologero lives in North Andover with his wife, Sara, and three-year old daughter, Sophia.