I write to express support for Question 2 on the November ballot, the Extreme Risk Protection Order that pertains to access to deadly weapons. 

The need to reduce gun violence is a practical problem that concerns everyone, no matter who we vote for, what media we listen to or whether we personally can be trusted with a gun. Tragedies such as the one that took place in Lewiston are no longer isolated events. 

Reducing gun violence is a hard problem, and success comes from preventing something. How can we be confident that we’ve stopped something from happening? A good approach is to act with common sense. Question 2 is a measure that would permit families — when they have a loved one in a mental health crisis — to request that a court prevent that person’s access to deadly weapons. It is a good idea. 

Please vote “Yes” on Question 2.

John Pani
South Portland