Dear Editor,
In addition to New York, in the past 10 years or so, the following states have liberalized their laws relative to the sale and use of consumer fireworks: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Utah.
The consumer fireworks products are safer today than they have ever been before. The sale of consumer fireworks can raise some badly needed revenue for government.
Americans love fireworks. Fireworks and the celebration of the 4th of July Independence Day are synonymous. Then future U.S. President John Adams on July 3, 1776 in a now famous letter to his wife Abigail mused that Independence Day
“ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore.”
Ohio legislators have the power to change the fireworks laws and permit the regulated sale and use of the full line of consumer fireworks. This is too long overdue.
Write or e-mail your legislator and ask for legalization of consumer fireworks in Ohio. Take Ohio out of the consumer fireworks dark ages and into the modern era.
Please enjoy the Independence Day holiday with your family and celebrate safely.
Very truly yours,
William A. Weimer
Phantom Fireworks
Vice President