Regulating fireworks

Almost as though they'd planned it together, the Cape Girardeau City Council and Jackson Board of Aldermen met last week and discussed banning some or all fireworks inside their city limits.

In Jackson, the discussion was a reaction to a plea from firefighter John Trowbridge, whose home was damaged severely June 26 when a firework shot off by children landed in some landscaping near the house.

On Monday, Jackson residents can attend a board meeting at Jackson City Hall and weigh in on the subject during a public hearing on the matter. At least one alderman has said he wants to do what the majority of the public wants, so it will be important for residents to participate. What they say stands to have a direct bearing on how they celebrate the Fourth of July next year.

In Cape Girardeau, city officials took a dollars-and-cents approach, determining that sales tax revenue from fireworks stands last year was approximately $4,600 -- this year's figures aren't yet available -- while the police and fire departments spent more than $5,000 on fireworks-related enforcement and safety.

The issue comes down to weighing the fun of fireworks against the potential danger, and that is a judgment call that must be made with care.

One thing seems clear: With Cape Girardeau and Jackson city limits touching, it makes good sense to work cooperatively on any ordinance, banning certain or all fireworks in both places so that they aren't readily available within a couple miles or residents of one town don't drive to another to use the controversial devices.