Letter: Reader proposes fireworks changes

We pay a fair amount of taxes to live in safe neighborhoods that should be free from noise pollution. I have read many letters to the editor clearly against fireworks and only one in support.

This is not a difficult problem. Many other recreational activities such as boating assure safety through licensing procedures. My solution is to require those who wish to handle fireworks to take a course through the DNR for certification and license, with fees. That alone will limit fireworks numbers.

Secondly, fireworks events should require a permit from the local jurisdiction with a nominal fee imposed.

Thirdly, I propose fireworks events be located more than 500 feet from residential homes. Enforcement would be through public safety with fines imposed.

In this time of services being cut and layoffs, let's take the fireworks revenue and designate those funds to a real purpose of enforcement for public safety.

I think we can all agree this allows for freedoms of the 'few” to be balanced with public safety for 'most'” of the remaining citizen taxpayers.

Judy Babcock

Marion