It was with some disbelief that I watched the local TV coverage of discussion between our City Council and members of the public about the proposed ordinance to ban fireworks in Augusta.

The proposed ordinance would ban, until a public hearing, all sales and use of fireworks in the city limits.

Councilors and our fire and police chiefs presented their viewpoints well.

My overall impression was that some councilors supported an outright ban before fully understanding all sides of the issue.

The new state law was rushed in passage and without much thought of the issues town and cities would face.

I suggest the city does not rush to judgment but place a six-month moratorium on fireworks in the city limits in order to give the council, city officials and the citizens time to further their knowledge about the subject. Before an outright ban is enacted, we need overall statistics for injuries, fires, etc. in comparison to other outdoor activities, both locally and nationally, should call other states that allow fireworks and ask what regulations they have implemented to better ensure the safety of the public.

I am in favor of allowing fireworks in Maine, as it will give many of our citizens a way to legally have the freedom residents of our neighboring state and the majority of other states enjoy.

An educational program and permit system should be set up for fireworks’ use, age limits set and a special licensing structure to sell fireworks be established. The State Fire Marshal’s office should be directly involved with this effort. A short-term moratorium would allow time to consider such ideas.

Dana C. Sturtevant

Augusta