Blow Up Michigan Fireworks Law, St. Clair Shores Residents Say

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI — Anne Kosenko thinks Michigan’s fireworks law needs to be changed. The St. Clair Shores resident signed a Change.org petition asking for the law’s revision, saying fireworks have the potential of causing major damage in high-density residential areas. But that’s not where the potential problems end.

“Our animals and those whom have bravely defended our freedom but now suffering with PTSD should have to live in fear because someone wants to use a dangerous form of entertainment,” Kosenko wrote on the petition. “My anxiety increases just thinking about what can go wrong. Large scale fireworks that shoot up in the air should be left for the professionals who light them in safe area.”

The fireworks tax brought in about $1.6 million in revenue last year, and the state isn’t likely to walk away from it without a battle — one the 35,000 people who have signed a petition to repeal Michigan’s fireworks law appear prepared to wage.

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Here’s what some other St. Clair Shores residents had to say on the MoveOn.org petition site:

Sharon Hoste: “For the sake of all older people, people suffering PTSD, and animals, there must be a ban on fireworks.”

See Also

• Fireworks Weary Michiganders Blast State Law: More Comments
• Man Uses Fireworks To Get Rid Of Bees, Burns Garage

Tell Us

• Should Michigan’s consumer fireworks law be repealed or amended? Please tell us what you think in the comments, and share your experiences with legal fireworks in Michigan.

Walter Nezwisky: “They are too diruptive in urban areas!”

Denise L Bush: “Every holiday now I am terrified in my home that I have lived in for 28 years! Google: “fireworks causes chaos on street in st clair shores” and you will see a typical scenario of nice neighbors gone crazy with fireworks - bombs is what they are. REPEAL THIS STUPID DANGEROUS LAW people do not know how to use them or just refuse to practice safety. This is not fair that I have no say in all the dangerous activity by my neighbors. This nonsense has been going on in my quiet suburban neighborhood for years now.”

Danyelle Dobbins: “It is ironic that this act is labeled a "safety" act as it is just the opposite. This act needs to be repealed immediately. For the safety and well being of our residents, let's leave the entertainment to the professionals and out of the hands of the general public.”

Bob Doetsch: “Please repeal this bad law.”

Chris Vitale: “Another example of poor workmanship by MI legislators... Treating all properties the same for fireworks, be they 40 acre farms or 1/8 acre plots in dense neighborhoods. While the "fireworks lobby" is quick to point out $18m in sales tax/fees collected by the state, they of course ignore this was discretionary spending which likely would have been spent on entertainment, dining, etc. Personally, I am held hostage within my home (thus spending nothing) because I dare not leave my dog alone as neighbors turn the street into a war-zone. Then lets add floating fireballs (sky lanterns) to the mix; which have caused thousands in property damage. This bill is an admission that Michigan continues to decline as a manufacturing base and will sell quality-of-life down the river for a few quick bucks.”

Tracey Toth: “Please repeal this ridiculous law! Our pets are totally freaked out, our babies are scared to death, our vets are reliving nightmares and the list goes on and on!!”

Gayle: “Dangerous. I work in a hospital, injurys and idiots it gets worse every year.”

Comments from this website: https://petitions.moveon.org/s...

Photo by kanegen via Flickr Commons