To Mayor R. Rex Paris Esq. of Lancaster.
Re: Your recent statements about The City of Palmdale’s sale of fireworks.
Mr. Parris,
I have pondered long and hard at your statements regarding the sale of fireworks in the City of Palmdale. While my mayor responded with facts and logical reasons as to why our city does allow the sale of fireworks, I feel my mayor did not go far enough in his press release.
You cited statistics of injury and burns that were not completely the fault of fireworks, rather all burn incidents including fireworks. As Mayor Ledford stated, your “statistical” reason is rather an over exaggeration of facts. Another over exaggeration was that the Palmdale sales leads to fires from wind carried embers. Your claim, once again, falls flat when the city aggressively fines any sale or discharge of (sky fireworks) within it’s limits. Your city however does allow their discharge almost weekly at the stadium but has banned the sale and distribution of ALL fireworks EXCEPT for those discharged by a licensed company.
The annual sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks approved the County of Los Angeles is a boon for non profit organizations within our community. Contrast that with the community of Lancaster however, where the city is most likely profiting the sale of fireworks permits purchased by large donors or corporations. I look across Avenue M at the continued beautification of Lancaster and applaud your efforts. I however do not applaud your destruction of simple celebrations that also serve a community purpose like the local sales of approved fireworks much less your castigation of my city‘s decisions.
I’m sure you have your reasons as to why you don’t want local charities to raise revenue through annual celebratory sales, but I’m sure they are justified. I don’t justify forcing other cities to follow your lead through exaggerated statistics and down right misinformation. Mayor Parris, I’m thankful I don’t live within your city limits or I would be doing my best to unseat you with a candidate who does care about the community, not just those who can afford permits and licenses.
Sincerely,
Mario A Estrada
