Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. and Northampton Mayor Thomas D. Reenock spent time in Washington D.C. earlier this month.

They joined mayors from across the country in a broad coalition to show opposition to illegal guns and support common sense proposals to prevent gun violence as "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" brought its campaign "Demand a Plan" to the nation's capital. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Easton Mayor Sal Panto and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter were among members of the Pennsylvania contingent.

More than 1,000 mayors met with senators and congress members, advocates and experts on the issue of gun violence, brought to the forefront by recent events in Newtown, Conn.

The hectic two-day schedule included presentations on topics such as "Policy Brief on Key Solutions to End Gun Violence in America."

"We would also like to see a mental health component added to the prevention of gun violence," Hozza said.

Reenock and Hozza said they found the forum positive and a step forward in understanding the causes and effects of gun violence.

Addressing Northampton Borough Council following his return from Washington, D.C., Reenock said, "We're not taking anybody's guns. It is about putting in a safety factor," adding, "It's a common sense safety agenda."

Reenock also fielded a lengthy list of questions on the topic of gun violence from council members, specifically relating to Congress passing more stringent laws against gun violence.

In regard to an assault weapons ban, Reenock said it may be a "long shot, but we'll see."

Hozza's and Reenock's schedules took them to the offices of Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey and Congressman Charlie Dent. Both mayors attended committees which included other mayors from California to Maine.

"I was with mayors from Michigan, California, Ohio, Delaware, Florida and New England," said Reenock.

The mayors' pressing messages to Congress included requiring every gun buyer to pass a criminal-background check, making gun trafficking a federal crime and removing military-style assault weapons from the streets.

It was suggested Hozza and Reenock recruit other mayors from the Lehigh Valley and pass a council or commissioners' resolution, convene a district office meeting with their representatives and continue the conversation with the media and engage constituents in their communities.