PILOT MOUNTAIN — The sheriffs of Surry and Stokes counties, and possibly the two state legislators representing this area, are scheduled to speak at a Monday meeting dedicated to the issue of gun control.

It will be held at Mountain View Restaurant on South Key Street by the Surry County Tea Party Patriots. After an optional meal at 6 p.m., the program will start at 7 p.m. The public is invited.

The topic of gun control, which has been hotly debated since the Newtown, Conn., school shootings, was an appropriate selection for the meeting, according to Tea Party member Velvet Shelton Cowan.

“There is much talk and concern over new federal gun legislation and the Second Amendment being infringed upon…so we thought it would be a fitting time to entertain these guests,” Cowan added of the officials who will attend.

Surry Sheriff Graham Atkinson and Mike Marshall, the sheriff of Stokes County, have been confirmed as guest speakers for the monthly meeting of the Tea Party Patriots. State Rep. Sarah Stevens and Sen. Shirley Randleman, a veteran Wilkes County legislator who has replaced the late Sen. Don East, have been invited to the event and also might attend, Cowan said.

“I think this is an issue of concern for all citizens.”

In addition to hearing what the law enforcement and possibly state officials have to say about gun-control efforts, those in the audience may ask questions, Cowan said.

Reach Tom Joyce at 719-1924 or tjoyce@civitasmedia.com.