HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-23 Pulic commenmt - H. McFadden - FireworksFrom:Hugh McFadden
To:Agenda
Subject:Fireworks
Date:Wednesday, July 5, 2023 5:14:45 PM
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Mayor and Commissioners:
The Chronicle said you made fireworks illegal (ex. sparklers) in Bozeman. Good
idea. I like fireworks in the right place. For years, in the country with no neighbors, I
celebrated the 4th by firing an anvil 100' into the air and splitting 3' logs into firewood
with black powder. People came for long distances to see the fun. But that was out
in the country with everyone consenting.
In town, the noise is intolerable. From about 8 to midnight there was a constant
barrage last night, no breaks until 11:20. Loud explosions every few seconds from all
directions for hundreds of explosions. We medicated our dogs but nevertheless theywere terrified. They could not be comforted. One barked incessantly. Neither would
go or stay outside at potty time. One was incontinent in the house. In past years we
have been forced to rent a forest service cabin or travel somewhere else to avoid
your fireworks. We were unable to do that this year, it is expensive, and we shouldnot be driven from our home by lawbreakers.
Last year we had fireworks for 7 nights running. Four nights this year and counting.
You know your fireworks laws have always been honored more in the breach than the
observance. The police are not even a bad joke. We called them for the same
problem years ago in another neighborhood and an officer came by. The old
ordinance would have worked if it had been enforced. He must have been ordered to shine us on, because he sure did. Oh my, it's so hard to enforce this law. He
persuaded one guy to pause for about 10 minutes and seemed really proud of that.
We called the cops this year and got even less courtesy, "Well, maybe, maybe, we'll
send someone out to look around."
Well, folks, that just does not cut it. Why do you have an ordinance you do not
enforce? You wanted your job, nobody forced you to run, and we voted for you
because you said you could do the work. Now it is time to earn your salt. Yourconstituents are helpless. We cannot confront a group of rowdies on their turf. You
have people trained in that art. Part of government's function is to protect people.
You wanted to be on the Commission. Why? To do something for your community,
or for your ego? Show us that you are a courageous public servant. Order yourpolice to shut down the fireworks.