To the editor:

In response to David Douglass’ position on Topsham voters’ decision to enact bans on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in town, it should be noted that a three-way vote — which Mr. Douglass objected to — is what enabled Gov. Paul LePage to get elected into office. He won with 39 percent of the vote.

The prohibition of the use and sale of fireworks in Topsham was voted for by the townspeople in a three-way vote.

After a lengthy discussion, the Board of Selectman voted 4-1 to present the issue in the manner they did. Selectman Douglass cast the one vote that was in opposition.

Brunswick has also prohibited the use and sale of fireworks.

Mr. Douglass states that the attitude of those who are signing his petition is: “Most of them said they are adults and should be able to make their own decision.” If you believe the only criterion for your decision is that you be an adult, then this could jeopardize a fair decision being made that impacts a lot of people.

The private use of fireworks affects the safety and well-being of Topsham’s citizens and thus warranted a public vote be taken rather than leaving it up to the individual to do as he pleases.

In the June 28 report on Mr. Douglass’ petition drive to spur a new vote on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Topsham, Douglass said that some people didn’t even know there had been a vote at the primaries. Perhaps this indicates these folks might not make an informed decision which incorporates in it regard for how their neighbors and other Topsham residents feel about fireworks.

The adults who voted against fireworks don’t want them being set off by whoever feels like it.

Mr. Douglass said, “I want to have the ability myself to use fireworks.” Surely he realizes that if he gets to set off fireworks that it means everyone else in Topsham gets to do the same thing. That’s a lot of fireworks.

They are an intrusive item that when set off cannot be ignored. They are loud, and the person setting them off is imposing his will on others, forcing those in his vicinity no choice but to be impacted.

Many family pets are frightened by them. The sensibilities of those adults who voted against the dangerous and disturbing aspects of fireworks deserve the same consideration by Mr. Douglass as he wants for himself.

It is ironic that the governor who won election by a three-way vote is the same person who initiated this change in the fireworks policy. Prior to Gov. Le- Page, they had been deemed illegal because of their indisputably dangerous properties.

Fireworks are set off in Maine every Fourth of July, under well supervised conditions with the town’s or city’s fire department standing by. The Topsham Fair also gives this town the opportunity to view fireworks safely.

Mr. Douglass brought up the commercial aspect of fireworks. There is some money to be made in fireworks, but there are other factors to be considered as to what Topsham will endorse selling.

Is it good for the community at large? Is increasing the availability of fireworks intensifying the likelihood of them getting into the hands of unsupervised children? Are we going to wait till someone gets seriously hurt and then ban them?

In my humble opinion making money is not the true consideration here; safety and respect for people’s right to peaceful surroundings is.

Robin Noyes

Topsham