Lecompton urged to dampen fireworks ban idea

Talk of banning fireworks in Lawrence should be doused, a Douglas County commissioner says, and he’s looking for folks in Lecompton to help.

Jere McElhaney, commission chairman, tonight will ask members of the Lecompton City Council to fuel opposition to any plan that would snuff out fireworks in Lawrence.

Some Lawrence city commissioners have suggested outlawing firecrackers, fountains and other fireworks from use in the city limits  blaming them for starting fires, scattering litter and keeping people and pets awake July 2, 3 and 4.

But McElhaney fears extinguishing fireworks in one city only would fan flames of discontent elsewhere. The county currently has no intention of outlawing fireworks sales, he said, and as long as people can buy them, they’re certain to find a place to use them.

Rural areas, plus Baldwin and Eudora, are prime targets, McElhaney said. And that could mean more pressure on budget-strapped emergency workers and cleanup crews.

“It seems like the city of Lawrence is trying to push their problems somewhere else,” McElhaney said. “I don’t want to see that happen.”

The fireworks discussion is on the agenda for tonight’s joint meeting between county commissioners and members of the city council. The meeting is 6:35 at the Community Building in Lecompton, 333 Elmore St.

Also among the items scheduled for discussion: prospects for upgrading County Road 1023 and opening a boat dock on the Kansas River; and reviewing the process for appointing representatives for the Lecompton Fire District.