Jackson Board of Aldermen votes against fireworks ban

The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted 7-1 during its regular meeting Monday against a motion that would have banned the sale and use of fireworks in the city.

About 35 members of the public were in attendance for the vote, which was a reversal from a previous 4-2 vote during a July 6 meeting that called for the ban. The original motion brought a storm of criticism in online comments at the Southeast Missourian website and in board members' daily dealings with their constituents.

Ward 3 Alderman Larry Cunningham, who had called for a vote to ban fireworks during the July 6 meeting, was the lone board member to vote for the ban Monday night.

Cunningham said he would not rule out bringing up the issue at a future meeting.

"We've heard enough about fireworks," Cunningham said after the vote. "I'm disappointed about the vote. We'll talk about it at another time."

During the discussion, Ward 2 Alderman Dave Reiminger, who was absent for the original vote, thanked the public for their input on the matter but asked them to refrain from disgruntled messages.

"This effort which you have shown greatly pleases me," Reiminger said. "I would love to see some of this effort used in a constructive matter for Jackson. You could be a steward for Jackson by putting your efforts to a greater use by serving on committees rather than trying to vindicate from afar.

"No one will ever be able to please everyone, no matter how hard you try," he said. "Even Christ couldn't please everyone. You do remember what they did to him."

Ward 2 Alderman Dave Hitt, who had originally voted for the ban, said those from the public who voiced their opposition to the ban were civil in their opinions.

"I want to compliment them because they were very straight and said, 'We don't want to lose our fireworks,'" Hitt said. "But they haven't been rude about it. It's been a very educational experience for me."

While no one from the public spoke in favor of a ban, others such as Keith Kyle of Cape Girardeau spoke against the motion.

The manager of Fireworks City near Countrymart in Jackson, Kyle presented a booklet of fireworks safety statistics from various organizations. He said the responsibility lies with adults to supervise children who ignite fireworks in the city.

"This is a source of income over summer and allows for an opportunity for me to increase my income," said Kyle, who also is a school teacher. "Beside the economic impact for myself, I'm also interested for my own children.

"I've taught them to be responsible with fireworks and if anything they're too skittish in the other way," he said. "So it's definitely the parents' responsibility."

Ron Clark commended board members for listening to public opinion.

"When you take a job like this you're here to serve the people," Clark said. "Sometimes you forget you're here to serve the people. I just want to commend you."

After the vote, Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr thanked the public for their concern over the matter.

"Folks, we do thank you for your input -- and you did give us input."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628