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Dud idea
Published 4/5/2010 in Commentary : Editorial
No need to ease fireworks policy.
Garden City may give up its fight against fireworks.
Officials know many people ignore the rules and use fireworks whenever they see fit. A local ordinance prohibits the discharge of nonaerial fireworks, but the city waives that restriction from 10 a.m. to midnight July 3 through 5 to accommodate Fourth of July festivities.
But many residents either ignore or have no idea of those guidelines, and use nonaerial and prohibited aerial fireworks long before and after the specified time.
That's left city officials to consider loosening the local guidelines to fall more in line with state law, and allow the discharge of fireworks from June 27 through July 5, and possibly allow aerial fireworks within city limits.
The City Commission will address fireworks at its Tuesday meeting, to include possibly allowing the sale of fireworks in the city in hopes of cashing in on new fees and sales tax revenue.
But with such changes, the negative fallout could easily outweigh any potential benefit.
Every time emergency responders are called because of a fireworks-related problem, there's a cost. Beyond the obvious threat of fire and injury, fireworks activity at all hours annoys people trying to sleep, and sends frightened pets scurrying from their homes — creating yet another cost in animal control.
Some say changing the local fireworks policy would be a way to have those guidelines better reflect reality. And there is a responsibility for residents to use fireworks with care whenever they're allowed.
But it's the same with speed limits. While many motorists obey those rules, others would rather push the envelope and hope they don't get caught.
Raising the speed limit because it's often violated and difficult to enforce wouldn't make sense. Likewise, the City Commission should not find it easier to deal with unlawful behavior by making it legal.
Even though the city's existing policy on fireworks may be ignored by some, it serves as a deterrent for others.
Easing the city's guidelines on fireworks only would lead to more abuse. Maintaining current policy, on the other hand, would be a victory for public safety and common sense.
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