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(LETTERS) Natrona County destroys independence with fireworks regulations;

Posted on by darion

Oil City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Oil City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted by following the link in our opinion section.

Dear Casper,

To the Natrona County governing body: One of my autistic child’s favorite things is the once-a-year chance to get to participate in our country’s independence.

This is fairly benign and has always included sparklers, smoke bombs and small ground based sparkler “fireworks,” which we do in the street, in a small town and have water and fire extinguishers on hand. This year while participating in this activity we were approached by a Natrona County Sheriff’s Office deputy that effectively ruined our entire evening and devastated our son.

We were lighting smoke bombs when he came up to us and told us they were illegal, threatened a large fine and possible jail time if we were caught again. In our great country of America, in a supposed republican state, we are not allowed to celebrate the way we always have, due to extreme regulations and police enforcement. This is reminiscent of a police state (think China, Russia, California), except for the fact that California has less regulations on this day than our state of Wyoming. Yet if we go a few miles in either direction the unregulated use of fireworks is allowed within reason, as it should be.

We the people are getting tired of the incompetent over-regulation from our city and county government officials. Something has got to change, either by choice or otherwise.

We ask that we are allowed to celebrate our independence and break away from extreme government regulations the way we choose. In times like what our country is going through currently, sometimes we need to have families over, barbecues, fireworks and fun times. Instead we get police action and extreme regulations in the name of the greater good and public safety.

This is the same thing we fight against daily with the First and Second Amendment battles from the left.

If our county governing body is willing to destroy our independence day with their regulations, what else are they willing to sacrifice in the name of public safety?

Mike Hinton
Casper

Dear Casper,

I have known Elissa nearly as long as I’ve been a Casper resident and have worked with her in several capacities. In early 2018 she provided valuable guidance and feedback in her position with Elevate Wyoming. I also had the pleasure of participating in the Wyoming High School “Be Entrepreneurial” Pitch Night, led by Elissa. Her excitement and belief in these kids continue to amaze.

Elissa has devoted much of her time to educating youth, having served on boards and taken lead roles in encouraging youth entrepreneurship. She has a genuine interest in youth because she cares. These days it is challenging to find strong virtues in elected officials, especially on the national stage.

National politics is an ugly business, but we recognize that any positive change in the political environment begins close to home.

Think of the traits you would want in any politician. For me, the first is being genuine. Elissa’s words and actions earn the respect of peers. She is honest and approachable, but not judgmental. She also knows that people are at their best when they listen and understand, have a good view of possible outcomes and do things for the right reasons. For Elissa, it’s obvious she serves others over herself. None of those things come out of the need to feed an ego.

Perhaps the biggest reason I strongly believe Elissa Campbell would make an exceptional representative for House District 56 is her strong character. She understands the damage caused by the divisiveness of politics. She will sponsor and support legislation that is best for the people in her district and in Wyoming, and will do this by listening to differing viewpoints.

We desperately need people who can advance good governance, who are honest and not self-serving, all while remaining optimistic. Mostly, we need leaders who can compromise, are respectful of others, and serve people over party. Elissa is that person.

Greg Dixon
Casper