School Board Chairman Dan Edwards admitted during a Q&A appearance at the Tidewater Libertarian Party breakfast meeting Saturday that someone had illegally prohibited items from graduation ceremonies at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Gun rights advocate and John Fenter member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League board, pointed out that schools  illegally prohibited a small pocket knives, ammunition, and other items,  meaning attendees had to leave loaded guns in cars in the parking lot.  Not a good idea, Fenter pointed out.

Weapons are banned from the convention center when the facility is being used exclusively for a school event, such as graduation.  If other non-school events are being held simultaneously, attendees can’t be barred from carrying weapons - just not into the school event.

Fenter cited the code that the schools violated.  He also said the school administration has a sign banning weapons at the school admin headquarters.  Fenter pointed out that prohibition is also illegal under state law.

Edwards agreed re: the school admin building that weapons can’t be prohibited and said he wasn’t aware of the broad and sweeping  prohibitions at the convention center.  He said he would follow up and make sure those prohibitions are in compliance with state law in the future.

In other action, Joel Rubin, publicist for the coal industry pleaded with  the almost standing room only crowd, for support of the coal industry which EPA is attempting to over-regulate out of business, risking thousands of jobs of miners, truckers, rail employees, and others serving the industry.

Then candidates for city council and school board were offered 1-minute presentations:  They included Wally Erb, mayoral candidate, at large council candidates, Kenny Golden and Angela M. Brandal, Kempsville candidate Chuck Smith, Rose Hall candidate David McCormick, School Board   incumbent Edwards and Scott Seery, newcomers  Eric Wray and Chris Arney.

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