City must plan to enforce its ban

The city of Everett is supposed to have a law that forbids the use of fireworks by its citizens, but you would never realize it if you were here on the evening of this recent Fourth of July, and into the first couple of hours on July 5 (like 2:20 a.m. to be exact).

I have no intention of writing just to criticize the seeming lack of law enforcement by the Everett Police or the city administration! I know the police were concerned about the abuses that were so widespread, because I called to report several violations. But if the city of Burien can have its police department go door-to-door to urge its residents to obey their law, surely Everett can do so as well!

But it takes more than just complaining, so here goes:

1. First, offer our police officers a guarantee of at least four hours overtime pay for enforcement activity (patrols) on the evening of the holiday (plus other appropriate periods) at a double pay rate.

2. That tickets issued for fireworks rule infractions be for an initial minimum of $100 for first infraction, with a $25 increase for each additional violation.

3. In addition, the inclusion of such other regulations needed to guarantee compliance with the law and to provide the whole community with the maximum possibility of safety from fire or other damage from fireworks accidents.

I hope this would provide all of our residents adequate safety and comfort.

George C. Brown

Everett