When it comes to the issues of annexation, fireworks is hardly the most pressing one (Fireworks Could Go Up in Smoke for Annexation Area). While Kirkland’s ban on fireworks may impact the fundraising choices at Juanita High, there are many other annexation issues that residents of the PAAs (and City of Kirkland) are far more concerned about.

Questions asked at the recent informational meetings sponsored by the city showed that people want to know how annexation will impact taxes, service levels (police, fire and others), parks, assuming city debt, land use and more. I wish the Kirkland Reporter would give these matters the same attention to detail as the fireworks story was given. Because, as far as major annexation issues go, the fireworks ban impacts some of us one week out of the year — the others impact all of us each and every day.

As with all change (including fireworks bans), some will welcome it, others will dislike it. Personally, I welcome a quieter and safer Fourth of July (this year there was a firework-sparked fire in my neighborhood). But the really good news is that as citizens of a city, we have the power to incite change by lobbying our city council for a repeal or modification of laws we don’t like and by electing officials who share our beliefs.

Thank you for the story, but please take the time to explore some of the more pressing issues on annexation. We need more meaningful information before the November election.

Cami Keyes, Kirkland