The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Lisbon Fireworks Workshop‏ July 17, 2012

FIREWORK WORKSHOP – JULY 17TH

Last Tuesday night, the town council coupled with the Community Policing Advisory Group tried to find a workable solution to the new fireworks law created by the Maine Legislature. The Maine Legislature created a monster situation for each municipality to deal with without proper guidance or funding.

The new fireworks law includes items snappers, sparklers, and Morning Glories. Snappers, sparklers and Morning Glories have always been considered “Novelty Fireworks” and have been legal in the state of Maine for as long as I can remember. One of my fondest memories growing up is sitting on a blanket in Freeport with my parents, brothers and sisters watching the fireworks. My parents would light sparklers and we all would twirl them in the air. I played with snappers all my life and I never hear of anyone ever being hurt or killed from snappers.

Now, because some politicians voted to approve the new fireworks law, apparently without reading or paying attention to the language, municipalities are trying to find a way to abide by this law. Keep in mind, Dale Crafts and Garrett Mason both voted for this new fireworks law.

Garrett Mason

Dale Crafts

According to Chief Brooks, the State Attorney General has made an exception to the new law to allow small retailer to sell sparklers and Morning Glories. Snappers are still illegal in the state of Maine and the State Attorney General has not made an exception for them. According to this new law, everyone who uses fireworks MUST be 21 years old. Can you imagine a 21 year old utilizing snappers?

Now we come to Lisbon and how does the community deal with this new fireworks law? This is a nightmare for the town council to deal with and totally unenforceable by Lisbon Police Department. To add to the problem, Chief Brooks informed the workshop that he did not believe any court would hear minor violations of the law. Chief Brooks did say if someone continued to violate the law after being educated about the law; they would be cited.

Photo by: Sam T. Used under fair use act.

Lisbon Fire Chief "Superman" Sean Galipeau

The Fire Chief pointed out the fact the buildings are too close together in the downtown, village and housing area to shoot off fireworks. This is a simple safety issue putting people’s residences at risk. It is simply a matter of time before a house catches on fire from a runaway fireworks. According to Chief Brooks fireworks that fly are illegal according to the new law.

We still have not gotten into where and when you can utilize legal fireworks. The law says you can shoot fireworks from 09:00 A. M. until 10:00P.M. People on third shift will never get a chance to sleep.

I personally believe 09:00 A.M. is totally ridiculous and should be adjusted until 6:00P.M. Four hours of fireworks is sufficient for any given day. I do not believe fireworks should be totally banned in Lisbon because responsible individuals who abide by the law and respect their neighbors should be allowed the right to enjoy fireworks. We have a few and always will have individuals who cannot be responsible and respectful and these few individuals should be punished. I believe if the police concentrate on these few; we can make this new law work. Of course, our Legislators have to take a closer look at the new law and make it enforceable and enjoyable for the people of Maine. Kids should be allowed to utilize snappers, sparklers and Morning Glories with ADULT SUPERVISION.

Since our neighboring towns have prohibited the sale of fireworks, I personally believe Lisbon should ban the sale of fireworks. Citizens of Lisbon need to be good neighbors and act responsible. Once the Legislature has ironed out all the bugs in the new law and we have educated the people, then it would be a good time to reconsider the sale of fireworks in Lisbon but not before.

This article may sound more like my opinion than what took place at the workshop but trust me there was a great deal of discussion on fireworks. Both the town council and the Community Policing Advisory Group are split on this issue. I have provided, what I consider, the important information put out during the workshop.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen