Matt Cartwight named to congressional task force looking into gun violence

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Northampton, will serve on a congressional gun violence prevention task force, according to a news release.

The new congressman will look at gun restrictions which don't conflict with the Second Amendment, addressing gaps in the mental health system, strengthening the background check system and weigh gun violence in American culture, according to the release.

“We need to take a comprehensive approach to cut down on gun violence,” Cartwright, who represents more than 20 Northampton County communities, said in the release. “I look forward to serving on the gun violence prevention task force and working to enact meaningful legislation that will help make our streets and communities safer.”

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr., a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, said it's good that the congressman, who represents the city where four of the fire murders in 2012 involved gunfire, will be addressing such public safety issues.

“This is a great opportunity not only for the congressman to be in the forefront of this issue of national importance, but also for mayors and all Americans because Congressman Cartwright is a listener and cares about the people,” Panto said in the release.

The task force will meet with and hear from law enforcement officers, gun owners and sportsmen groups, gun manufacturers and gun retailers, mental health experts, gun violence prevention groups, members of the entertainment industry, education organizations and other experts and stakeholders, according to the release.

Task force recommendations are expected to be released in early February.