HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Many Michigan residents have voiced their concerns over fireworks these last few days and now there is a petition drive to repeal the law.
The Fireworks Safety Law of 2011 legalized fireworks for private citizens. On WHTC Morning News listeners voiced their concerns as well including Holland’s First Ward Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Trethewey.
“Some of the stuff I heard last night had to be close to dynamite size. It was just unreal and when it shook the windows two blocks over, that’s a bit much for a residential area. C’mon. Common sense has got to prevail some place. We’ve got to get some stricter regulations on it and be able to enforce them. I don’t want to deny anybody their fun, don’t get me wrong, but there is a point when you’ve just got to say enough is enough.”
Fireworks sales have brought in over $18 million in tax revenue and fees in the past three years, but state Representative Henry Yanez of Sterling Heights says it’s time to repeal the law, says it’s not worth it and supports the petition drive.
“When you add into it the aggravation and annoyance that many of our local citizens have had, veterans, pets owners and people who have to get up in the morning, I’m not sure 18 million dollars is really that big of a bargain.”
Fireworks store owners, though, say repeal won’t stop fireworks from being set off. They argue people will just go out of state like they did for years before, and they won’t be able to make a living as a result.
Sign the petition here.
