Malloy in Stamford to talk gun control

WTNH TV

Updated: Feb 26, 2013 6:07 PM

STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Last week Governor Malloy announced his so-called 'common sense' gun violence prevention proposal. Now he is traveling the state as part of his push to change Connecticut's gun laws.

"I think we should be leaders not followers."

That was Governor Malloy in Stamford Tuesday talking about how he'd like to see Connecticut lead the way in strengthening gun control laws.

The Governor brought his so-called 'common sense' plan to Stamford, where he met with the city's Mayor and Chief of Police. The Governor wants the General Assembly to pass a ban on large capacity magazines and approve universal background checks.

"There's a certain reality in this country you can't get on a plane without someone doing a background check on you, why should you be able to have a gun without that happening," Malloy said.

The Governor's gun violence prevention proposal comes more than 70 days after the tragedy in Newtown. He says he has talked over his proposal with some of the victims' families.

"I haven't spoken to everyone, but I haven't spoken to anyone who's against it," Malloy said.

Stamford's Mayor says the Governor has his support.

"There is a plan now in Connecticut," said Mayor Michael Pavia, "I think the opportunity to get a plan passed to take these military weapons off the street is now here before us and I want to thank the Governor for presenting it."

"We stand behind the Governor on these projects," said Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau, "we believe in it."

The Governor says he expects the legislature to take up the proposal in the next few weeks or months.

Copyright 2013 WTNH TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse