The gun control debate

APPLETON -  Locally, no matter the side, people want to see excessive gun violence stop in our country.  Gun owners and non-gun owners alike are talking.

As part of the national conversation on gun control, the Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort was part of the talks with the Vice President this week.  Executive Director Jeri Bonavia told FOX 11 the leaders seem interested in stopping more than just mass shootings like Sandy Hook.

"Also the kind of day in, day out gun violence that affects and has devastated so many families around the country," said Bonavia.

George Butz is the owner of Trigger Action Sports in Appleton.  He told FOX 11 he too wants to see the violence stopped, but doesn't blame the weapons.

"I don't believe that the guns are the problem.  I believe that the people are the problem," said Butz.

But Bonavia and Butz agree, there is more that can be done to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.

"Policy options like background checks on all gun transfers," explained Bonavia.

A good idea, said Butz.

"So it's a matter of being safe and locking up your fire arms and keeping them away from people that shouldn't have them," said Butz.

However Butz did take issue with one idea being considered: banning high-capacity magazines

"It's no different than 'why does someone buy a car that goes 200 miles per hour when you can't drive it 200 miles per hour, realistically, here,'" explained Butz.

Butz would like to see more done to ensure good mental health in this country.

Bonavia told us there needs to be a multi-pronged

"I think that they'll take into consideration the types of proposals that are supported by both non gun owners and gun owners," said Bonavia.