MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Public safety trumped personal responsibility in the decision to ban fireworks in Mountlake Terrace.
The Mountlake Terrace City Council decided Monday, June 19, to ban all personal fireworks within city limits.
As a result, this will be the last Fourth of July that fireworks can be discharged in the city. The ban starts in June, 2007.
In the 4-2 vote, Councilmembers Michelle Angrick, Angela Amundson, Laura Sonmore and Doug Wittinger affirmed the decision.
“I see this as a public safety issue,” said Angrick, who commented that a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees or more. “It is almost like putting a torch in a child’s hand.”
Councilmembers Michelle Robles and John Zambrano dissented.
“I am afraid of the people who incrementally take away my rights,” Zambrano said. “Today it will be fireworks. Tomorrow it will be the pledge of allegiance.”
Mayor Jerry Smith removed himself from the vote and the debate because he has helped local non-profit groups raise money by selling fireworks for many years.
Starting in June 2007, the sale and use of fireworks shall be a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 90 days in the county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. The third violation in any three-month period is a gross misdemeanor punishable by no more than one year in the county jail and/or a fine up to $5,000.
A person found to be in possession of fireworks will pay a fine up to $300.
There are two exceptions to the ban. Fireworks for public displays or religious purposes will be allowed, but must be authorized by a state license and city permit.
The council listened to testimony during public meetings on June 5 and June 19 as well as a May 3 town hall meeting before reaching its decision.
Monday night, 14 people, including represent Ives from the dealer TNT Fireworks of Tacoma, pleaded with the four council members – who made their intentions known in recent weeks – to change their minds. A ban would end a longtime tradition and limit personal freedoms, they said.
“I do not like fireworks, but I have a hard time legislating personal responsibility,” Robles said.
The solution is more enforcement and education about which fireworks are safe and legal as well as how to handle them safely, according to fireworks supporters.
“Work with us to make it a better Fourth of July for everyone,” said Jerry Farley, a fireworks lobbyist.
Fireworks critics argued that fireworks are dangerous and should be banned to protect property and people — especially children — from harm. Resident Kathy Peterson said she supported the ban because her daughter was burned by a sparkler.
“There is no such thing as safe and sane fireworks,” said Peterson. “I am tired of being a prisoner in my home because of fireworks.”
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