Thanks to the anti-gun majority in the Maryland legislature, it's rare that we get to report on any good news for gun owners in the state. Most of the time we're covering the latest gun control bill introduced in Annapolis or discussing a legal challenge to one of the many gun control laws already on the books. 

The Wicomico County Council, however, has given gun owners something to cheer about by scrapping one of its "gun-free zones" and recognizing that lawful gun owners (at least those with a concealed handgun permit) should be able to carry in the county's park system. 

The council's move, which passed with a 5-1 vote, revises park regulations that previously restricted firearms to law enforcement personnel only. This change was initiated during updates to park policies earlier this year, prompted in part by concerns raised by council members.

John Ebert, a frequent visitor to Harmon Field in Salisbury, voiced strong opposition to the decision during a recent council meeting. 

"It just seems irresponsible and unconscionable that we are going to allow firearms in our public parks," Ebert said. "They're supposed to be a place of relaxation, families, people just enjoying themselves. For me, the knowledge that some person unknown to me is carrying a weapon really makes me not want to go to those parks."

I truly don't understand Ebert's point of view. Does he honestly think that the previous prohibition on concealed carry in parks actually prevented criminals from violating the law and carrying regardless? Why is he more concerned with folks legally carrying than the prospect of someone unlawfully carrying in the park? 

And if the knowledge that the people around him might be carrying a gun makes him not want to take advantage of the county's parks system, how on earth does he manage to get through his day knowing that someone may be carrying a concealed firearm at his local grocery store, gas station, or restaurant? 

Regardless of Ebert's hoplophobia, the county council did the right thing in repealing the prohibition and allowing concealed carry holders to protect themselves and their families while they're enjoying an afternoon in the park. At the very least, Ebert should be relieved that gun owners can now keep their firearms safely by their side rather than having to leave them in their car, where they're more easily stolen. 

Council members emphasized that the new regulations are intended to accommodate legal and responsible gun owners who could potentially thwart criminal activity in public spaces.

"I have to call an attorney to defend myself," said Councilman James Winn, a Republican. "I'm not trying to give a criminal another edge to the sword, I'm saying let's remove this piece so when somebody goes to court for defending themselves and their children at a park that a lawyer can't say it says right here in Wicomico County code that its illegal for you to carry a firearm."

Kudos to the council for recognizing that there are plenty of moms and dads who choose to carry a firearm; not because they want to accost park-goes like Ebert, but because they want to be able to protect themselves and their children from harm. I hope this is the start of a trend, and we'll see more counties in Maryland buck the anti-gun demands from lawmakers in Annapolis and side instead with the Second Amendment and the responsible gun owners who are exercising their right to keep and bear arms.