The Maple Valley City Council approved Advisory Proposition No. 1 that is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The council is asking voters if the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks should be banned within the city limits.
Because it is an advisory note, the decision by voters is not binding. After the votes come in, the council can decide to ban personal use fireworks in the city or keep the status quo as it is now without a ban.
Currently, fireworks are only permitted in the city limits of Maple Valley on one day of the year, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. A total of 14 cities in King County allow fireworks on July 4, according to the county’s website. Fireworks are currently allowed in unincorporated areas on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight and on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Maple Valley and Kent are the only two cities in King County with similar advisory notes on the Nov. 3 ballot.
If the City Council votes to ban fireworks, public displays of fireworks will still be allowed.
Linda Olson and Clark Davis were tasked with submitting the “for” and “against” statements, respectively, for the voter’s guide.
In her statement, Olson said, “Personal use fireworks injure people, cause fires and contaminate our air and water. Our veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) suffer from the sound of fireworks. Our pets and wildlife panic with each boom, and sometimes die from ingesting toxins in the remnants. Fireworks cost taxpayers money for the overtime required to protect people and property.”
Davis didn’t submit an “against” statement, only a rebuttal of the “for” statement.
He said, “Is a con really needed when it comes to this topic? Fireworks are a tradition of our freedom and independence. Injuries are tragic and unfortunate, but to say there were twice as many with legal vs illegal is a shock-n-awe statement as Nobody tracks this information. The Elk Run fire is source undetermined, and many Vets feel they fought for the right to have them. Don’t let fear mongering sway the vote here.”
