To begin with, why is this child involved in the sale of fireworks?  The photo above appeared last year in several publications as preparations were underway for fundraising efforts of the Nooksack Valley Assembly of God, a church that is not even located in Bellingham. The assembly uses fireworks sales in Bellingham as a means for funding church activities. When I was a child, churches raised money through bake sales, bingo, and “casino” nights – all in good fun. That churches are now involved with the sale of these dangerous items and are having them handled by children seems somewhat out of touch with the spiritual nature of these institutions. 

Nevertheless, we can change this entire state of affairs by simply banning the sale and use of fireworks in Bellingham. To that end, I recently wrote a column asking for veterans and veterans’ organizations to come forward to call for a ban, citing the adverse effects of fireworks on combat veterans. You can read my piece, “Support Our Troops – Ban Fireworks” by clicking here.  Almost two years ago in a 2011 article for NWCitizen, I wrote the rationale behind a total ban entitled, “Fireworks in Bellingham.” Click here to read that article.   

So where are we now that another 4th of July is approaching?

In order for any changes to the existing city noise and fireworks ordinances to be enforceable before the 4th of July in 2014, these changes must be adopted legislatively by the city before the 4th of July this year.  Unfortunately, since July of last year, the city has made very little progress in this regard. During Bellingham City Council sessions on July 25th and August 6th of 2012, the mayor reported to council that she would direct city attorney staff to review what the city might do to address concerns regarding fireworks within the city limits. On September 18th, 2012, Taimi Gorman, Richard Maneval and Clay Butler of Freedom from Fireworks in Bellingham visited the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission to express concerns regarding fireworks in Bellingham. Following that meeting, the mayor again indicated she would have staff look into this matter.

In response to Clay Butler’s October 30th, 2012 email requesting the results of staff actions with regard to the organization’s concerns regarding fireworks in our city, he received a reply that stated in part, "In early 2013, Mayor Kelli plans to work with our public safety officials on a plan for increased neighborhood presence to assist in the education and enforcement of existing fireworks restrictions."  Unfortunately, there was no mention of any of the staff work that had been promised. The statement also seems to suggest that efforts will go into enforcing the existing ordinance rather than considering a total ban.

On January 28th and March 11th of this year, Mr. Butler was accompanied by several eloquent residents of our city to voice their concerns regarding fireworks in the city during the 3-minute public comments to City Council.  You can view those presentations on video here and here.  During council sessions on February 11th and March 11th of 2013, motions have passed unanimously to get a discussion of fireworks in Bellingham started in the Public Safety Council Committee, chaired by Stan Snapp. During the Mayor's Report portion of the evening council meeting on February 11th, 2013, the mayor and Acting Fire Chief Roger Christensen announced an "interpretation" of our existing fireworks ordinance which prohibits, starting this year, the sale at fireworks stands in our city of so-called "cakes."  This is a positive, but quite minimal, step forward.

During an exchange between the mayor and Councilman Snapp at the City Council meeting on March 25th, 2013, the mayor once again stated she would direct staff do whatever is required to enable the Public Safety Council Committee to take up this matter. However, a recent review of the council agenda for this coming Monday, April 8th, 2013 indicates that a fireworks ban is not yet an agenda item for the Public Safety Council Committee. Mr.  Butler asks, “Why is it taking so long for the city to act?”  He also asks for a written response to his last email on the subject from someone representing the city.  That would be very much appreciated.

If you oppose fireworks in Bellingham, write to the mayor at klinville@cob.org  or to the City Council at ccmail@cob.org.

You may also want to send a complaint to Pastor Kyle Hopkins of the Nooksack Valley Assembly of God at  nvgacommunity@live.com.

For more information on Freedom from Fireworks of Bellingham visit their site by clicking here.