Ballots in Brier for the Nov. 3 general election include Advisory Proposition No. 1, which will ask city voters whether the city council should ban fireworks at all times of the year and eliminating the exception that allows sale and use of fireworks on July Fourth between 9 a.m. and midnight.
Here is material on the Brier advisory vote, material that will appear in the voters’ pamphlet, which voters will see in about two weeks:
City of Brier
Proposition No. 1
Ballot Title:
City of Brier Advisory Proposition No. 1
Should the Brier City Council enact an ordinance banning the sale and discharge of all types of fireworks in the city at all times during the year?
Yes __
No __
Ballot title approved by the City of Brier Attorney’s Office
Explanatory Statement:
The ordinances of the City of Brier currently allows the sale of and discharge of fireworks only on the Fourth of July between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. The Brier City Council has heard many conflicting opinions from citizens as to whether the discharge of fireworks should be totally banned within the City at all times of the year. In order to obtain a definitive public opinion, the Council has placed Advisory Proposition No.1 on the ballot for voter action. This vote is advisory only. If the City Council decides to enact an ordinance banning the sale and discharge of fireworks during all times of the year, the ban will become effective one year from the date the ordinance is passed. If the Council decides not to enact a ban, the current restrictions will continue to apply.
Pro Statement:
In respect for our PTSD Veterans that are negatively affected by fireworks I support banning fireworks in Brier or having a special location for fireworks to be discharged. In respect for our animals who are negatively affected by the sounds and lights of fireworks I support banning fireworks in Brier or having a special location for fireworks to be discharged. There are so many accidents, injuries, and property destruction caused by fireworks each year that are totally unnecessary when there are professional displays available for those interested. The fourth of July is the only thing I do not like about living in Brier.
Pro committee members:
Jan Doran Faulds
Con Statement:
An outright ban of consumer fireworks in Brier is a heavy handed overreaction to nuisance noise complaints that will do nothing to deter individuals currently lighting off illegal fireworks and will criminalize the traditional celebrations of otherwise lawful citizens. Most of us look forward to and enjoy our family and community celebrations in the spirit John Adams espoused the day following our nation’s declaration of Free and Independent States.
The majority of complaints about fireworks are nuisance noise complaints. Those resounding booms that are incredibly irritating in the wee hours are already illegal in Washington outside of tribal lands. These fireworks are not being purchased from a church group or cheer squad in a super market parking lot. Banning consumer fireworks will have zero impact on the inconsiderate knuckleheads currently detonating these illegal fireworks.
Another complaint is fireworks are dangerous, especially to children. I agree – fireworks are dangerous. That is why responsible adults supervise their children and young neighbors.
We have several tools already at our disposal to deal with the hazards and nuisance of fireworks such as the application of good judgement, open dialog between neighbors and, if all else fails, the summoning of law enforcement.
Most complaints arise from illegal fireworks and inconsiderate people. A ban on consumer fireworks will do nothing to address these miscreants but it will have a negative impact on law abiding folk just wishing to enjoy a traditional celebration of our nation’s independence.
Con committee members:
Bob Thorpe
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement:
Most of the other cities around us have banned fireworks to protect their citizens. Were our neighbors “heavy handed over reactions” to ban fireworks in their cities?
This election is to determine if “most of us enjoy fireworks.” The fireworks in my neighborhood are legal yet very upsetting to myself, my family, my animals, and my property. We do not enjoy fireworks and the effects it causes. Please vote to ban the fireworks in Brier.
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement:
Conscientious neighbors can voluntarily curtail their activities in deference to their neighbors with PTSD.
Animal owners should take steps to protect their animals at all times of the year.
Banning consumer fireworks is a heavy handed overreaction to nuisance noise complaints that will do nothing to deter those currently lighting off illegal fireworks and will criminalize the traditional celebrations of otherwise lawful citizens.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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