In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings in Connecticut, we will discuss guns and violence in America with an emphasis on schools. Should more or fewer guns be allowed in our society? How can schools best be protected? Has Sandy Hook changed your opinion on guns? What can be done about violence in America? And are guns the problem or part of the solution? Matthew LaPlante, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Communication at Utah State University, co-hosts today's show. In the first half we talk with an elementary school teacher, Cori Sorensen, who is getting her concealed weapons permit and her trainer Clark Aposhian, who is with the Utah Shooting Sports Council. In the second half we talk with the Park City’sMayor, Dana Williams, and Chief of Police, Wade Carpenter. Our guests also include Cal Udy, a member of the American Federation of Teachers.
Tom Williams worked as a part-time UPR announcer for a few years and joined Utah Public Radio full-time in 1996. He is a proud graduate of Uintah High School in Vernal and Utah State University (B. A. in Liberal Arts and Master of Business Administration.) He grew up in a family that regularly discussed everything from opera to religion to politics. He is interested in just about everything and loves to engage people in conversation, so you could say he has found the perfect job as host “Access Utah.” He and his wife Becky, live in Logan.