To the editor:

On Oct. 30, Sue Novak posed a question for me to answer and I’d like to do so now. She asked, “Where were you all the night the Lawrence City Commission heard the public’s views on fireworks?” Well Sue, I was there. In fact, there were two commission meetings where they listened to public views, and I was at both of them. If I remember correctly, an overwhelming number of people spoke against the fireworks ban and they were not just fireworks vendors.

You also seemed to refute my claim that the commissioners made a decision the “majority of Lawrence citizens” would disagree with. I can make that claim because I am the owner of K-10 Fireworks east of Lawrence. In our three days of sales, I see thousands of customers from Lawrence, and I’m sure the majority is opposed to a ban. In fact, three area fireworks retailers had petitions that we gave to the city commissioners. In just three days of sales and in only 3 of the 21 stands in the Lawrence area, we had over 4,000 signatures opposed to a ban!

The city even considered allowing the people of Lawrence to decide on the issue. However, the commissioners knew it would have been against their best interests.

I’m pleased that you give to food pantries to show your patriotism, Sue. However, most people shoot off fireworks to celebrate the founding of this great nation and I’m sure they’ll continue to do so even with a ban. It’s an American tradition.

Eric J. Garrett,

Eudora