The sale of safe and sane fireworks should continue in the City of Newark.
Public Safety is a fundamental aspect of my campaign, and the sale of fireworks is a public safety issue. It is also one of the most controversial issues facing candidates in this election. Over the years, I have worked with many community service groups that have used the sale of fireworks as their primary source of funding. I have also seen first hand the damage (both property and personal) that fireworks (both legal and illegal) have caused Newark citizens. Other communities have chosen to ban the sale of all fireworks within their borders, and the matter is currently under study by our own City Council. I believe that the sale of fireworks in the City of Newark should continue until such time as the people of Newark, and the Newark City Council, determine that this activity presents an unreasonable burden on public safety. I believe that, ultimately, the good people of Newark (including those same community service groups), and the Newark City Council will make this determination and will favor a ban on all fireworks. The challenge of the future, then, is to work for a "sunset" clause in our fireworks sale ordinance that will allow enough time for service groups to find other fundraising methods. If we do it, let's NOT do it like our neighbors. Another challenge of the future will be to investigate the possibility of Newark's own public fireworks display. Other cities seem to be able to do this without problems. There has to be a way for Newark to have a first class public fireworks display.
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