They are illegal in the majority of our metro cities, but nearly impossible for police to enforce. A story we are running this morning looks at a Raytown alderman's idea to legalize fireworks in his town. First-time politician Pat Ertz looks one city over at his neighbors in Lee's Summit and doesn't understand why Raytown can't take the same approach. Lee's Summit legalized fireworks two summer ago, with some restrictions. Some other cities (Raymore, Belton and KCK) have similar laws. However, the majority of metro jurisdictions (i.e. Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, KCMO, Independence and Liberty) completely ban the sale and use of fireworks.
Ertz thinks non-profits should be able to set up tents and sell fireworks for to raise money. The Raytown fire department is open to that idea, but only if some of the generated revenue helps pay the cost of fireworks awareness and public safety.
Opponents have plenty of valid concerns: house fires and other property damage, child safety and the stress the loud noises create in pets.
What do you think about legalizing fireworks?
Police are inundated with calls every Fourth of July, but it's nearly impossible for them to punish the crime. Lee's Summit's police department told me things have improved since the law changed. During the holiday, they bring in a extra officers just to field firework-related complaints. As spokesman Mike Childs put it: "We are able to focus on more serious violations while allowing the majority of our community to celebrate the holiday."
Should Raytown be next? An ad hoc committee is meeting to discuss the possibility on Thursday, November 29.
