True democracy and grass roots politics are wonderful things to watch. And what went down this past Monday evening at Council was pretty remarkable:
Nineteen (19) folks testified at the Public Hearing. Just four (4) of those were against the ban. Two (2) of the four (4) were not only from out of town, but also represented the fireworks industry. The remaining fifteen (15) spoke eloquently and passionately in favor of the ban!
Discussion at Council after the hearing was vigorous and intense. Since our initial one-on-one in September, 2009, Snapp has been steadfastly for a ban. Knutson, who was on Council with Bornemann in 2002 when the current fireworks ordinance was put in place, came around earlier this year when he came to to the realization that what he and others on Council believed would work in 2009 simply did not! Weiss and Lehman, both admitting to their love of fireworks, came down on the side of making Bellingham an even better place for us to live. The non-support of the ban by Bornemann and Lilliquist was not unexpected. What makes Fleetwood's non-support of the ban perplexing was it's contrast to his past support of a plastic bag ban. That having been stated, the 4-3 vote was awesome!
However, the next step is vital, and it's very important that we all keep the pressure on Council. At the next evening Council meeting on 6/17, what's called the "3rd reading" of the ban will take place and a final roll call vote taken. Votes of this kind happen towards the end of Council meetings. So, there is still an opportunity, during the Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting, for folks to come forward and comment, for or against the ban. This is why it is so very important that you let Council know before then that you support what was done last Monday evening and expect final approval of the ban on 6/17.
Later . . .
