A former mayoral candidate in Tucson, Ariz., is launching a privately funded program to provide residents of a crime-prone area with free shotguns so they can defend themselves against criminals.

The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. —A former mayoral candidate in Tucson, Ariz., is launching a privately funded program to provide residents of a crime-prone area with free shotguns so they can defend themselves against criminals.

Shaun McClusky says the program modeled after one recently launched in Houston would provide training and enough money to buy a basic shotgun to residents who pass background checks.

McClusky says citizens need to do more to protect themselves because city government is failing to do the job.

The Arizona Daily Star (http://bit.ly/10hCTiP ) reported Wednesday that several City Council members say the effort is out of touch with community needs and values.

McClusky withdrew from the 2011 Tucson mayoral race because of questions about his ballot eligibility.

The effort in Houston is called the Armed Citizens Project.
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