Dear Editor:

At the last City Council meeting, Councilman Roger Brossmer instructed staff to begin work on a ballot initiative that would allow residents to decide whether to prohibit all fireworks in Downey. This is his solution to illegal fireworks. This same subject was voted a few years ago and failed. 

This is a negative impact on our Downey families, our churches, kids and community. 
Will we ever get control of illegal fireworks?  Probably not. Will pet owners ever have relief living in Los Angeles County during 4th of July? Probably not. Here’s a fact: look at the other cities that ban all fireworks, the illegal fireworks still go off like crazy.  

Fireworks -- legal fireworks -- have always been a family tradition in our family, then we entered high school, Downey High School to be exact, and discovered what a huge part of fundraising the firework stand was. We could gross about $48,000 (net $8,000-$10,000) for a few days’ work. It’s one of the biggest fundraiser most booster clubs, churches and non-profit city organizations can make and there are about 18 groups that are running the stands. It’s also a great way for families to meet each other and, in our case, we build lifetime friendships.  

All the firework stands are run by volunteers. The chairpersons of each specific firework stand are people who care. They want to see their kids in football, band and cheer, go to competition and wear their uniforms. Kids that are involved have a much better chance of staying out of trouble. City sport clubs, AYSO soccer, churches and Downey Rose Float, all these volunteers are giving their time to insure their organization can continue.

I would love to know how Mr. Brossmer intends on 18 organizations getting this money replaced. He is also leaving office next November and Alex Saab will then inherit this mess to deal with? Is this his political practice solution? 

Downey Police issued 20 citations this past year as it’s difficult to catch perpetrators in the act.  So how about changing the law, so police can enforce. Instead our city may be spending  our taxpayer money on a ballot for citizens to vote on this subject matter again.  

I urge any boosters, churches and non-profits to attend the next City Council meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 27,  at 6:30 p.m., voice your concerns and be heard.

Mary Skill
Downey