Latin Chamber endorses firearm ballot measure

The Latin Chamber of Commerce on Friday endorsed the November ballot measure that would expand firearm background checks to private party sales and transfers.

“The increasing gun violence in Las Vegas is a concern to our members who are worried about the impacts it will have on our local economy and their individual business,” chamber CEO Peter Guzman said, referencing a valley-wide spike in crime this year.

The camber represents thousands of businesses and individual members throughout the state, whose population is about 27 percent Hispanic.

“As a business owner, I know that the keys to a thriving community are safe schools and a health care system that isn’t overburdened, but we see every day how senseless gun violence is putting our children at risk and taxing our hospitals, nurses and doctors. Passing Question 1 will make it harder for dangerous people to get guns, which will improve quality of life and opportunities both for our businesses and our families,” chamber Chairwoman Maggie Arias-Petrel said.

Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0391. Find him on Twitter: @WesJuhl