VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) — Although Governor Wolf has emphasized that his proposal for additional gun control is supported by most Pennsylvanians, the increased restrictions are not wholly favored in our region.

In his recent budget address, Governor Wolf called on the legislature to pass comprehensive background checks for all gun purchases, a red flag law, improved lost and stolen gun reporting requirements, safe storage practices, and legislation to ban ghost guns.

“No law can eliminate every act of gun violence. But the steps I’m proposing are supported by the evidence – and supported by the vast majority of Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Wolf stated.

“We can pass them tomorrow, and, by doing so, we could make our Commonwealth safer.”

While Wolf believes these measures have the support of the general population, the reaction in our local region seems to tell a different story, particularly in relation to the red flag law.

A red flag law is defined as “a law allowing courts to prevent people who show signs of being a danger to themselves or others from having access to firearms (as by ordering the seizure of weapons),” according to Merriam-Webster.

ExploreVenango.com asked its readers to weigh in on Wolf’s proposal for increased gun regulations.

Local resident Russ Green said that “the problem with ‘Red Flag’ Laws is that ANYONE can report you even without ANY justification whatsoever.”

“Red flag laws allow anyone, that’s important, ANYONE, to report for whatever personal reason, that you are dangerous with a gun and it should be removed,” Brian Sanford added.

However, the red flag law wasn’t the only one of the measures people took exception to.

“So the solution to the problem as Wolf sees it is to go after people who are already trying to jump through the numerous hoops and background checks already in place? What will more government red tape do other than waste money?” Tom Kingdom asked.

“Absolutely none of these measures will stop an evil individual from inflicting violence on innocent individuals,” Matthew Lingo said.

Other local residents took a more moderate stance.

“Storage practice yes. Other than that No. it’s my right to own a gun and that’s the end of the subject,” Ron Johnson stated.

While the reaction to Wolf’s proposals seems to be mostly negative in our local area, the proposals do have some local supporters.

“I support it. Honestly the amount of shootings is crazy. I understand there are people who have guns that are responsible, those people should get to keep their guns, but we definitely need stricter laws,” Rebecca Wille said.

“Sounds like common sense for responsible gun owners,” Elaine Lopata stated.

Others noted that gun violence may be the result of other problems that could be tackled by legislation.

“Instead of increasing gun laws why not open more mental health facilities? It’s not the guns that kill people, it’s the person behind the gun that kills. We have a problem with people that need help that are not institutionalized due to a bed shortage in this state. The mental health laws need to be changed so that the health records are open and not protected,” Jan Dwojak Veltre said.

Though Governor Wolf may have gun control legislation in his sight, whether or not the legislature chooses to pursue any of the measures he has suggested remains to be seen.