A debate over who should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in El Dorado County will get plenty of exposure this week.

At issue is a Sheriff's Office policy requiring license applicants to not only complete a training program and pass a background check confirming that they are of good moral character, but also to show that they have good cause to carry a concealed firearm in public.

But some people say law-abiding citizens shouldn't have to show cause, and they view the issue as a litmus test for the county's next sheriff.

"We're trying to make this a huge issue and a defining issue of this election," said Ken Greenwood, a firearms instructor.

Under state law, police chiefs or sheriffs may issue concealed weapon permits to applicants within their jurisdictions who do not fall into certain categories, such as mental instability or drug addiction.

On Thursday, the seven declared candidates for the 2010 sheriff's race will field questions on the issue during a community forum sponsored by the county Republican Central Committee at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville.

On Tuesday, county Supervisor Ray Nutting will ask his board colleagues to adopt a resolution encouraging the sheriff to issue a license to any law-abiding citizen, and eliminate the "good cause" requirement.

Nutting stressed that the board has no jurisdiction over concealed weapons licenses, and the resolution is only advisory.

But, he said, "It reflects what I think are the values of El Dorado County with respect to concealed weapons permits. … I believe a well-armed citizenry equals less crime."

Nutting and others say budget cuts likely will result in fewer patrol deputies and longer response times, particularly to the county's more remote areas.

Ken Steers, El Dorado County Republican Central Committee chairman, said the committee has taken no position on the Sheriff's Office policy under Sheriff Jeff Neves. But he said it has become a point of contention because the department is not renewing licenses for many people who have had them for as long as 30 years.

Neves has said he won't seek another term in the June general election.

Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Bryan Golmitz said the county has 712 active concealed weapons licenses.

A Bee investigation several years ago found a wide range of concealed weapon permits issued for 2006, from eight in San Francisco County to more than 4,000 in Kern County.

Golmitz defended his department's policy of requiring applicants to show cause, saying it is the sheriff's responsibility to ensure that people who receive the licenses will exercise good judgment.

Using a gun for protection should be a last resort, he said.

A typical license holder is a business owner who carries large amounts of cash, or an employee whose job involves making bank deposits, Golmitz said.

"It's not like there are a hundred different reasons (to grant a weapons permit)," Golmitz said. "It's limited in scope."

The licenses must be renewed every two years, and the "good cause" may cease to exist if, for example, the person no longer owns the business or is no longer handling bank deposits.

But Rob Charny, president of the El Dorado Rod and Gun Club, said law-abiding citizens should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public without having to justify the need to do so.

"These aren't gun nuts," he said. "They're nothing but upstanding citizens."

Charny helped draft the resolution that will go before the Board of Supervisors.

Thursday's community forum, featuring the sheriff's candidates, will be moderated by Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville. It will be held in the Marshall Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 773-6866.