PADUCAH — Where you can and can't carry a gun is a major concern for local leaders, so much so that they're calling for a change in state law.

They are specifically concerned with people carrying concealed weapons inside government buildings.

But Paducah city leaders said more needs to be done to specify where people should and should not be allowed to carry guns that are not concealed.

The city wants legislators to change state law.

A local man's actions prompted the city to take action.

This all started a few weeks ago when a local man came to Paducah's city hall to challenge an ordinance that said he can't have guns in local parks. Once he got there, he was told he couldn't bring a gun inside. Turns out, the city was wrong.

"I'd just rather be ready for any such situation if it were to occur than not and regret it later," said Charles Pulley.

That's why Pulley doesn't leave home without his .40-caliber Smith & Wesson on his side. He takes his gun anywhere the law allows and said he hardly ever receives any problems.

That is until a few weeks ago when he tried to enter Paducah city commission chambers and was told his gun wouldn't be allowed inside.

"I asked why I couldn't bring my gun inside," he said. "Which law says I couldn't? He said it was because he said so and I couldn't go in there."

Kentucky statutes say Pulley is perfectly within his right to carry an open gun into city hall.

City Manager Jeff Pederson said counties can restrict both concealed and open guns but cities do not have the same authority. 

Pulley and his gun have since been allowed at city commission meetings. He even spoke up about how he was treated with city leaders.

Mayor Bill Paxton said he was intimidated by Pulley's handgun because he's seen stories like the one where a man opened fire on a school board in Florida last December.

Pulley believes if more people were allowed to carry guns, would-be criminals might think twice before acting.

Right now, Pederson said city leaders are considering how to approach state lawmakers about changing state law.

The city hopes to have something to present to lawmakers when the next session starts.