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LETTERS:   Observe rules for fireworks years ago


To the Editor:

Next week brings an exciting holiday! Kids and adults alike look forward to enjoying the 4th of July, but let us not forget the day is to celebrate the day our forefathers declared their independence from their homeland. How scary and exciting that must have been when you stop to think about it.

Several residents reminded the Marion City Council of the true reason for the celebration. Their thoughts and concerns included how the length of time to celebrate with fireworks may have increased for the monetary reasons rather than the true reason to celebrate.

As you get ready to celebrate, be sure you enjoy the celebration by shooting fireworks in compliance with city and county ordinances and rules.

Shooting fireworks in the streets is NOT in compliance with the ordinance. Before buying fireworks, think about where you are going to safely shoot them. Supervise younger shooters and be good examples of safe shooters.

Police officers are paid by your tax dollars. When you see an increase in the number of officers patrolling the streets, think about how much it is costing to keep residents safe from the actions of those who have started using the city streets as a shooting range.

The city council also set the number of days and times to be the same as what the county commission has set for Marion County. Make sure you know what those times are. Make sure your family and friends respect your neighbors and pets.

At a council meeting, we also were shown the remains of what landed in a resident's yard. This rocket, had it landed on a roof, was a potential fire starter and was probably exceeding the height rockets can go when fired.

This year try to comply by the safe choices set out in ordinance 1287. Next year at this time, the city council will not have to make even tougher choices to reduce the days when we can enjoy the celebration.

Thanks for your cooperation. It will make for a safer holiday and be less expensive for the city to hire extra police patrols and pass stricter ordinances in the future.

Mary Olson

Mayor, city of Marion

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