The four candidates for a seat on the Junction City Commission appear to be willing to support a removal of the ban on pit bull dogs in the city.

Nathan Butler explained if a petition reaches the commission and is prepared correctly there are two options. “One the city commission can vote to repeal it or the city commission can vote to put it on a vote for the city.” Butler added if the commission decides to vote instead of putting it on a ballot he would vote to repeal the pit bull ban.

Pat Landes noted that the ban was put into place after the death of Christopher Wilson, who was killed by Rotweiler dogs in Geary County in the 1990’s. “I think that there was a big problem with drug dealers and things having pit bulls in town, and that’s what kind of prompted this to happen at that time. Things have changed.” Landes said there are people who would like to live in Junction City, but cannot because they have a pit bull. “So they’re going elsewhere. We’re keeping people from living in Junction City.”

Holly Voelcker noted that she has done a lot of research and would agree to repeal the ban. “I’m an animal lover by nature, but if the citizens of Junction City vote to have this overturned who are we to stand in the way.”

Ronna Larson said she would agree to have it repealed. “I don’t think there should be a ban on any specific breed of animal.” She added she thought the current vicious animal ordinance that exists would be enough to handle it.