The fight over fireworks in Tumwater is blowing up.
We're just weeks away from a special election to decide whether to legalize fireworks in the city limits. Just two years ago, the city voted to ban fireworks.
The issue pits neighbor against neighbor around the community of 23,000. Both sides have signs and the anti-fireworks group sent out mailers.
“It's very frustrating to me, this is money that could be spent on many other good causes,” Mayor Pete Kmet explained.
Kmet is part of a group called Neighbors for a Safe Tumwater. They’re trying to stop this initiative from passing. “There have been injuries that occurred and fires that occurred in Tumwater,” he explained.
Those who support Initiative 1 believe the “no” campaign is misleading. “The sign shows a skyrocket, those are already illegal,” former council member David Nicandri said. “I’ve always found fireworks to be fun, we don’t engage in any of the dangerous stuff.”
Initiative 1 is the only item on the special election ballot set for April 24th. Kmet says the city will have to pay for the vote. “The latest estimate is around $115,000 just to conduct this election.”
In 2016, voters narrowly approved an advisory vote to ban fireworks, the council went forward with it and the ban would have started this year. Instead, this special election could keep them legal.
Bill Peterson says it turns his quiet neighborhood into a war zone “It’s nice and quiet here except on the 4th of July.” Peterson says he's concerned about safety and worried someone will get hurt or lose their home.
Some of the signature gathering was funded by the fireworks industry but supporters say the money goes back into the community by helping non-profits who run the stands. “Search and Rescue and Lions Club do a lot of good for the community,” Nicandri said.
Kmet is hopeful this vote will be the last time the city has to deal with the issue. “Hopefully, this will decide it once and for all and we don't have to do this again.” Nicandri is disappointed they can’t find some sort of middle ground. “It's zero-sum politics one side wins and one side loses and it's unfortunate that has to come to Tumwater.”
