Fireworks sales in the city of Duvall were illegal until three years ago. The previous ordinance was overturned by the mayor and city council of Duvall as a personal favor to an organization. While city law provides that the use of personal fireworks is only legal from 9 AM until 11 PM on July 4^th, those who live in Duvall deal with the noise and property damage of legal and illegal fireworks for several days before and after July 4, New Year’s Eve, and multiple other days per year.

Duvall is one of the few cities in Western Washington featuring urban density housing that still allows personal fireworks. Personal fireworks cause problems for pets, veterans and others with PTSD, those with autism, and random property damage. People who live elsewhere are now descending on Duvall each July 4^th with their fireworks, which creates undue strain on the Duvall Police Department and Duvall Fire 45. Fundraising for a group of less than 100 people should not supersede the health and safety of 7700 citizens.

The Founding Fathers managed to celebrate Independence Day without lighting half a stick of dynamite. Let’s make July 4^th accessible for all in Duvall.

Vote No On Advisory Vote 1!

A majority of Duvall’s citizens who choose to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, do so legally and responsibly. The instances of people using illegal fireworks would not change with a ban. In fact, we’d probably see an increase in the use of illegal fireworks. The illegal fireworks would still be brought into our community and used, while law-abiding citizens would be the ones being punished.

Instead, a no vote would give the city time to draft new legislation with stricter regulations as to the use of fireworks. New legislation could include language that would allow the Fire Chief to temporarily ban the use of fireworks during years of drought, for example.

Every year, Duvall nonprofit community groups raise needed funds by selling State Approved, Safe and Sane Fireworks for the 4th of July. These funds are then reinvested in the community.

Vote No on Advisory Vote 1. We don’t need more illegal fireworks in our community.

Vote Yes on Advisory Vote #1!

It isn’t a matter of “legal” or “illegal” fireworks in Duvall. They all make noise, cause disturbance and damage property year-round. There’s also undue strain on Duvall PD and Duvall Fire 45. We shouldn’t have to wait for the City Council to draft “stricter regulations” for fireworks use, or negotiate with those who’ve shown they refuse to obey the existing ordinance. Please vote Yes.

Submitted by: Rob Walker, Julie Revell Benjamin, Susan Bemis, julieinduvall@gmail.com

A ban on fireworks will only encourage people to circumvent the law, rather than abide by it. Regulating the sale, possession and use is more effective than an outright ban and can be adapted to changing social needs, while still allowing the citizens of Duvall to enjoy the "rockets' red glare."

Submitted by: Veronika Williams, Liz Hill, veronika.k.williams@gmail.com

Complete text of measure

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For questions about this measure, contact: Matthew Morton, City Administrator, 425-788-1185, matthew.morton@duvallwa.gov