THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 7, 1995 TAG: 9510070234
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
A dispute between Councilman Richard R. Harris and Suffolk-Nansemond NAACP President Paul C. Gillis continued this week when Gillis alleged that Harris brings a concealed weapon to council chambers ``to protect himself'' against Gillis.
During the early-appearances session of the council Wednesday night - a hearing that allows citizens to speak on issues - Gillis said he was told by Vice Mayor Curtis R. Milteer and Councilman Charles F. Brown that Harris began bringing a concealed weapon to chambers about six months ago to protect himself against the NAACP leader.
Harris refused comment: ``When it's appropriate, I'll comment,'' he said.
During the session, Gillis said he was warned by Milteer that ``you'd better watch what you say'' about Harris during hearings because ``he brings guns to council meetings to protect himself from you.'' Gillis, in an interview after the meeting, said he considered both councilmen ``sources'' who informed him of council dealings.
Brown and Milteer denied the allegations.
During the meeting, Milteer said: ``I'm going to defend myself anytime I can. No member of the private sector has a right to pinpoint me. . . . Come to me one-on-one. Don't air your dirty linen on cable television.''
Milteer said Gillis was only posturing for political purposes. Gillis denies he's planning a City Council run, but said he is considering running for the Suffolk School Board. Milteer declined to comment after the meeting.
Brown said: ``I've never seen Mr. Harris or anyone with a gun.''
Suffolk Circuit Court records show that Harris was granted a limited concealed-weapons permit on April 26, 1995.
Concealed weapons are allowed in most public places except courthouses, places of worship or places that are licensed to sell liquor, said Commonwealth's Attorney Phil Ferguson.
Ferguson said it is up to a municipality to decide whether people who have concealed-weapon permits are allowed to bring guns to council chambers. City Attorney C. Edward Roettger Jr. said permit holders are allowed to bring their guns.
Mayor S. Chris Jones said, ``It should be noted that Harris has been a gun dealer and collector for more than 20 years and has a permit for that purpose.'' Jones also said he has not heard of Harris bringing a gun to chambers.
The latest allegation is Round 2 of the acrimonious relationship between Gillis and Harris. Last month, Harris, who is white, tried to join the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People but Gillis denied him membership.
Harris, who represents the predominantly black Nansemond Borough, said he wanted to join the organization to learn more about his constituents.
Gillis said Harris' ideals do not match those of the NAACP. He denies that the gun allegation has anything to do with him not allowing Harris membership. by CNB