With politic thank you’s and property address information I began my talk. Please understand that this is not grammatical, but in a “talk” format.

I am here to express my concerns about fireworks and their toxic affects to the environment and those who walk, fly or swim in it. All that was in the presentation you now have in your hands. This was nixed by a few friends as being too boring.

SO I STARTED OVER answering a question I had been asked: “Why would a ban on fireworks be in the city’s best interest?” I was dumfounded by the question and was not sure how to answer, except that Olympia Tacoma and other cities found it in their best interest. The Olympia clerk responded “Why, To Save Lives, of course.” City government represents ALL the people and there are mental and physical health risks from fireworks. Add in finances and future lawsuits?
The Olympia clerk added that they were tired of all the callouts of fire and police. The use of rockets and mortars are out of control and the victimized majority is getting angry. Aside from health issues and sleeplessness you have productivity issues. Saving lives, protecting the environment and vets who have PTSD. What more need I say? Is the sales tax on legal fireworks worth it?
The city of Tacoma Fireworks banned fireworks in 92.
“Officials were concerned about a high fire danger and limited the discharge to one day. In the following spring, the City Council banned fireworks completely. The deciding factor was not because of weather related conditions, but due to the inherent danger that fireworks pose to citizens and property. In 98, the City Council decided to keep the ban in place.
I would add that ‘restrictive’ ordinances are not being enforced. If limitations are changed to keep all fireworks below 6 ft. of the ground (fence line) height, I might be less vocal on banning. Yet in my case and with others in P.A. the police or the Sheriff did NOT come out to investigate complaints. They responded that people could shoot off fireworks until 12:00. That was not my complaint, I reported the use of ILLEGAL mortars and rockets. No-one showed up.
If and when jurisdictions cannot police or enforce regulations, one is led to the final choice to ban. Can the city come up with a code that works? I no longer believe it can.
Skipped because of being timed out! 15 seconds left!
Will they provide a firework code to help wild animals and birds? Birds quietly roost in trees all around you at night. Just because you can’t hear or see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist after sunset! They and other wildlife are severely affected and often do not recover.
Ban fireworks that have concussive actions, bangs, screamers or rockets and starbursts.
Will the city confiscate those illegal fireworks (which I consider as weapons) or arrest the users? Not as the present laws are written. The discharge actually needs to be witnessed by an officer. Yet if I discharge a firearm, a neighbor’s complaint is all that is needed.
NOT ALLOWED TO FINISH! (40 seconds)
I could go on. One final note, those legal stands are placed in areas of great human traffic. Someday, one will be ignited by some wacko or drive through and injuries to life and property will be high. Will that Boy Scout or Church group have the insurance to pay for those claims? Probably not. The city would be next on the lawyers feeding list as you gave the licenses to sell. I suggest you ask the city attorney if the risk is worth the potential liabilities.
Citizenry backlash? Sure, Just remember that 70 percent of the public probably agree with me – and we VOTE!
Herb Senft

Comment on the uptight City Council and their rudeness:

Comment on the uptight City Council and their rudeness:
I was instructed to begin my presentation, even before the folders had been passed to all the council members. Very few even opened the folders up.
BTW I had earlier sent the Mayor, Candace Pratt my web link to my talk on toxic metals and chemicals in Fireworks and she responded: “For a 3 minute talk, you might simply present minimal highlights, and why a ban on fireworks would be in the city’s best interest.”
She was the person I redesigned the talk to, then binged me to shut up. I guess she did not appreciate the revise.
After my silencing a former councilman spoke and agreed with me. One member of the council suggested that it be put into a study group.
As far as these ‘study groups’ go, it is like the citizen being put on a crapper with one tissue in hand, while the council has the toilet paper roll in the living room and promises to deliver something to you sometime when it is on their agenda.
http://sweetgeodes.com/senft/?page_id=2715

Herb Senft — please pass this along.