Bill Would Base Turnpike Tolls on Speed
Bill Would Base Turnpike Tolls on Speed Save Email Print
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@kake.com
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A Kansas senator wants speeding turnpike drivers to pay more in tolls.

 
Should the Kansas Turnpike Authority charge tolls based on a driver's speed?
Yes
No
 

David Haley has introduced a bill that would allow the Kansas Turnpike Authority to charge tolls based on a driver's speed. Fast drivers traveling on the turnpike would be charged more than a flat rate.

The speed limit is 70 mph on the 236 miles of roadway in the Turnpike Authority system.

Haley's proposal, introduced ahead of the legislative session, has been floated before in Kansas. A similar bill pushed by Haley, a Wyandotte County Democrat, in 2007 didn't make it to a committee hearing.

Republican Rep. Gary Hayzlett, of Lakin, says the latest toll proposal is "meddling" in turnpike board business unnecessarily. Hayzlett is vice chairman of the Turnpike Authority board.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:02 PM
i will just take a different way i am not at work clock in and out to eat or take a driving break this is BS if you want to raise the fees raise them that would be BS also though we live in one greedy state you work to pay them to live here.
Posted by: D on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:01 AM
What happens if you have a flat tire...or you eat lunch or have sex at the break spots...do you get charged again for excessive time on the turnpike?
Posted by: H on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Good Grief Charlie Brown. How in the hell are they going to really gonna tell who stops where for what?!! Be for real here.
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:51 AM
how much is it going to cost to put in equipment to time stamp tickets on the turnpike? will the "increased revenues" pay for that? or will some polititions company make money selling them to the turnpike?
Posted by: ken Location: opks on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:00 PM
each of the businesses will have a ticket validation that you must clock in and out when you stop. anyone found stopped on the roadway will be ticketed for illegal parking $35 plus 30 minutes automatically deducted from their toll ticket. :}}}}}}
Posted by: Joel Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:06 PM
So I have to pay the same driving 70MPH and not stopping as the person driving 90MPH that stops for lunch for 20-30 minutes. It sounds like somebody is getting a little greedy.
Posted by: B Location: wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:47 PM
i tell you what ..just put up several of those speed monitors were it snaps a picture of yer car and u in it driving over the speed limit and also the back of yer car for proof of license plate.since kansas dosent have car plates in front.and then issue you a ticket through the mail ..u think twice when you see yer speed on those speed monitors going 100 miles an hr
Posted by: Bruce Location: Haysville on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:36 PM
The Turnpike Authority already is receiving sufficient revenue to maintain the roadway at a profit, so there is not a need to further squeeze drivers!
Posted by: A Location: wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:29 PM
come on its all about money ..what does, the kansas turnpike ..want a BAIL OUT TO..if the legislative.turned there attention were its really needed this bill wouldnt have a chance!!!
Posted by: Hahaha Location: ICT on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:23 PM
The econmy sucks right now and the money grubbing politicians want more money? Let me ask this question..... Has there every been a lay off in government? I say we lay off all these worthless 6 figure politicians and reduce the salaries of the remaining pigs.
Posted by: Cheryl Location: Hutchinson on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Rates for driving fast is just plan stupid as you can drive fast, stop for lunch or gas, and get charged the same as slower drivers. Speed should have nothing to do with rates.
Posted by: Bob Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Hey, this is great! I leave home early, stop for breakfast on the 'pike rather than the restaraunt near home, go the same speed I normally do and still save money because with a 20-25 minutes breeak my average speed is below the limit. Now I get to Topeka at the same time but pay less. NOT! I totally agree with Rep. Hayzlett
Posted by: Lora Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:51 PM
I'm against this, but since I travel the turnpike several times a month, it would be nice to have all the Oklahoma and Texas speeders pay more.
Posted by: me Location: ict on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Wake up Americans the man is trying to stick it to us again. Just who gets the revenue from this toll hike(the people in offices that got nothing to do) salaries are'nt getting them by or what.Kansans and all Americans need to start paying attention before its to late. look up the blinderberg group an the tri latteral trade commision an then really think
Posted by: TxStar Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:23 PM
The state could get plenty of money if they just started writing tickets to those people who drive like they think they're in the early days when there was no speed limit on the turnpike. I say take the speed limit off and let the idiots go as fast as they can. They do anyway.
Posted by: Linda Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:12 PM
The turnpike should quit charging altogether. Kansas is the only state that still charges to drive on 35 or I35. Quit being a money grubber.
Posted by: Josh Location: Wichita/Lawrence on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Make it like the autobahn, i'll pay more, but no speed limits. Or just don't change anything...
Posted by: anon Location: ict on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:07 PM
this dude is crazy...he will get in trouble by a mob of people if he manages to get that passed...
Posted by: Baby Boy Location: South Central on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Seriously, who voted this moron into office? He has nothing better to do than to come up with stupid laws to try to pass? I mean, c'mon, if this law were to pass, we'd be sitting behind old fogeys going 35 on the Turnpike because they were afraid of paying more. Talk about a mass of congestion. Get this jabroni out of office!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: kansas on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:40 PM
sounds like one of Mike Haydens wonderful ideas. Haley is nuts.
Posted by: Matt Location: Benton on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:23 PM
If you are going to start charging for going over the speed limit on the turnpike, then you better start charging to go slower on the turnpike. most of the time its the people going below the speed limit that cause problems. And in response to C i also take the turnpike daily, and no longer will if they pass this. it would kill any profit the turnpike has been making
Posted by: KTA Employee Location: Kansas on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:20 PM
First off the State of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike are not one of the same. The state gets NO money from toll...all this is from one senator who wants Kansas to profit from the toll road. Kansas cant stand the fact that they get NO money from it that they try many things to profit from the pike...so if people want to get mad at this, get mad at the sorry state you live in and not the turnpike. Do you people want the state to own the road?? Yes, then petition the sate of Kansas to buy it out and they will then rasie your taxes to pay for it. And for all you people who threaten to not take the pike, please keep your promise, I'm sick and tired of hearing you guys complain about paying toll. Please if you dont like it STAY OFF IT!!!! P.S. Grow up and realize life isnt fare and it never will be. There are worse problems in this world to deal with. Put your energy into being mad at the bigger issues.
Posted by: Steve Location: Winfield on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Please allow certified law enforcement officers handle the speeders. The toll booth collectors can hardly handle counting out change.
Posted by: c Location: El Dorado on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Supply and Demand: This would cause less people to take the turnpike, myself included, If you make your product less attractive to the customer that will reduce demand and shift the demand curve to the left thus lowering the equilibrium price, or creating a surplus as supply clearly will not change, however they probably lack the proper econmic education to understand this. I spend almost $40 monthly driving from El Dorado to K-15 and back. If they pass this I will take 254 to 135, and they lose my $40.
Posted by: Robert Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:20 PM
First of all, the turnpike has been paid for and the toll should not even exist. Would it be a free trip below a 45 mph? Next they will charge a fee of driving over the speed limit and then the state would get the records and send out speeding tickets.
Posted by: Bob Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Exactly how is this going to be determined? If it's based on the travel time on the turnpike between toll booths, then even a driver going over the speed limit of 70 MPH can easily duck under this by stopping along the way for awhile. Average speed in miles per hour goes down, and problem solved. Ya don't have to have a degree in math to figure this out. Sounds to me like a pretty stupid piece of legislation, not well thought out.
Posted by: DD Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:12 PM
You can run 100mph,stop and get gas and lunch and still pay the basic rate. So you can not make the speeders pay extra if they make a stop inroute.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Yates Center Ks on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:21 AM
If you break the law in most cases you have to pay Why not on the turnpike
Posted by: Laura on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I have tried and tried to see the intelligent side of this, however, there isn't one. This is one idea that should have been kept as inside dialogue. I am unsure how this could be fair and at this point, I'll take another route before I drive on the NAZI TURNPIKE. I have to hope that someone is smart enough to turn down this terrible idea.
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:08 AM
there goes the democrat teachers again, raise taxes and fees to teach us to conserve.
Posted by: anonymous Location: wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:19 AM
well.... that's just stupid!
Posted by: kta employee Location: KTA on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:16 AM
this is the most funniest thing i ever heard of..this guy get paid by our tax dollars to come up with this??? it gives idiots an ok to speed ..saying its ok we will just charge ya a little more!! we have 236 miles of road on the kta, and right now if you are on it LONGER than you are supposed to be YOU are charged more...WHATS NEXT??
Posted by: Alan Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:14 AM
This is the most rediculous idea I have ever heard of. Typical Kansas goverment sticking it to the people.
Posted by: b on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:06 AM
that's got to be the dumbest idea I've heard of along with the tax on gas, I am struggling now just to keep my little house, make my car payment, pay the bills, buy food as it is now, and they want more of my paycheck.....I might as well just give up, quit my job, go on welfare, isn't that how some of them do it.
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    Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County
    • Posted By: : Park city looked like the first Iraq war last night!!! It was spectacular,the whole sky was lit up waaayyyy into the night in ALL neighborhoods...like it is EVERY year and did not have ONE incident of a feild or house fire! Sorry you people in Wichita did not get to enjoy! If you're good...we might let you come and see us shoot them next year...but thats only if you're good..kiddys.
    • Posted By: Stacy: These guidelines are good. However, I'm new to Wichita and I have to say I'm shocked at how many people shoot off fireworks in the city proper and in parking lots of businesses andapartment buildings (like the one I live in). If it's illegal to do this, why on earth is it so commonplace? I was in the military for a few years, about 3 of which were spent in a lot of different areas of the continental U.S., not to mention the nearly 18 years I grew up in mosly Montana. I never before have seen an entire city with so many amateur fireworks displays inside of city limits. Law enforcement, why aren't you enforcing anything?
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I agree with Frankie although the sedgwick county fire department says they only enforce the law, they pushed for the fireworks ban. I believe the original was in 1978. I know it was after bottle rockets were made illegal in Kansas. I wish government would quit trying to protect us from ourselves, we need protection from them. I'm sure our tax dollars paid for the signs, putting them up, and then for taking them down stuck all over! KAKE needs to go through it's archives and find the original ban the sedgwick county commissioners signed and also read the constitution it says that we have the right to celebrate our independance with fireworks. For those complaining about fires in rural areas I've lived out in rural sedgwick for over 50 years and the instance of a house or wheatfield fire being caused by fireworks is pretty uncommon. It's a sparsely populated area unlike city living and fireworks tend to go up not shoot out for miles. Farmers intentionally light the stubble after harvest!
    • Posted By: Firefighter: Fireworks were banned in Sedgwick County in 1978. Why? There weren't enough firefighters and equipment to go around. Calls were waiting for a response. Firefighters came to work at 7:00 and didn't see their station until the following morning. There were was much damage to fire equipment. The County department had a tank truck roll. This type of response had been occuring for several years. This doesn't even speak to the damage to stuctures, possesions and the persons that where injured. The departments and civic leaders said enough,and fireworks were banned. Some of you say we are unamerican. Far from the truth. You have asked us to watch after you and assist in the time of need. Sometimes that means prevetion instead of action. I love fireworks as much as the next person. Fireworks have slowly made it back into many communities. If everyone can prove they have self control and caution when using fireworks then, they may come back everywhere. Stay safe this 4th.
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I guess I'm one of the hundreds of others that did not realize ALL FIREWORKS WERE ILLEGAL! (At least For those of us living outside a city limits in sedgwick county). I knew that while some cities Belle Plaine, Clearwater, Haysville, etc.. chose to allow BIG STUFF (the aerials) Wichita did not. The 78' fireworks ban was for the BIG STUFF!! The unincorporated areas had to follow sedgwick county's allowable fireworks same as the city of wichita chose to do. What year did they sneak in NO FIREWORKS AT ALL OF ANY TYPE for unincorporated sedgwick county?? It wasn't in the original ban. Living outside the city limits of any town, even when ALL FIREWORKS were allowed there were no fireworks stands out here, and the news was saying buy where you live, I called the no fire number for the sedgwick county fire department and asked where we should buy fire works that would be legal and I was told in wichita city limits. This is unconstitutional, prejudiced and segregates rural sedgwick county!!!!
    • Posted By: George Washington: This is all silly. I am going outside to set off Fireworks.
    • Posted By: Susan: Ok, I will expect everyone who is upset to show up at the next Sedgwick County council meeting. If you don't even at least call your councilman, than you should not complain.
    • Posted By: Shaun: I think that people in the county needs to remember that this day is to celebrate or freedom as a country!!! China gave us fireworks to help US and a COUNRTY celebrate. To me this is UNAMERICAN!!! Yes, i agree that the big ones that can set major fires sould probly not be shot in rural areas. And all though this law don't affect me personally, it still does as I am a soldier and an American. I am proud of my country. Even if I could only shoot off fountains or what ever I still think that is better than nothing. As long as the person shooting them off is doing it on a concrete surface I don't see why they can't have small fireworks!!!!!
    • Posted By: donald otnes: My daughter called me at 10:15 pm on July 2, 2009. She had people setting off fireworks in her housing district. The kids were firing off the ones that sound like a bomb going off. Are people that stupid to let kids have fireworks that could blow up and take a hand off or even there face.
    • Posted By: miss america: My family is apparently among the wild, irresponsible rednecks in unincorporated Sedgwick county that have shot off fireworks every year on the 4th since I was a baby. It's true there is a need to protect farmers' wheatfields, so I can understand why the county might ban the big fireworks that fly up in the air, and bottle rockets, etc. But, why shouldn't we be able to at least set off the smaller fireworks, such as fountains, that are less dangerous? Why are our families denied the privilege of celebrating the 4th in a safe, fun way just because we live in the unincorporated areas? This fireworks ban on the 4th needs to be loosened up. It's really not fair.
    • Posted By: a: Think about this people! Fireworks are loud and anoying! I am so sick of people setting them off late at night while we are trying to sleep! My baby is being kept up by fireworks because people set them off at two in the morning!Please just think about where you are setting them off like close to houses and apartment buildings. Those are not good places to be doing them!
    • Posted By: Firefighters daughter: For those who think that firefighters just "sit around" you obviously have no idea what these people do. Just looking at the 4th, I can recall as a child how we all wondered if my dad would get to finish his hamburger before being called out to yet another of the many fires he went on that day . The work they do isn't restricted to a summer holiday. Think about the gear they wear...heavy coats, boots, air tanks, even on 100 degree days. Take a walk in their boots and face the fires, car accidents, tornado/storms, floods, and other emergencies they must face with courage, calm, and strength in order to save lives and property. As for "washing the truck" and other maintenance that must be done, do you want a rusted out, broken hosed truck showing up at your house because they DIDN't do those things? I hope they do get a chance to relax, eat, sleep, etc. between the emergencies they must face. I want a well rested and ready fire fighter showing up at my house should I ever need one
    • Posted By: rebecca: hey does anyone know if the little boy that went into QT has been found? I know this isn't the topic but I just wanted to know.
    • Posted By: : h: I believe that fireworks like Black Cats can be used in Derby as well as Wichita (it's been a long time since I've done any here so I wouldn't definitely know). But they might be setting off something bigger like an M50. The main problems they've had is with the ones that burst into showers of colored balls and sparks like we see in the big displays, roman candles, M80s and the ones that spray out sparks. The Eagle Beacon, last year, said that a good rule of thumb is if they shoot out sparks more than about 6 feet from the device then they are probably illegal.
    • Posted By: h: well they are sure shooting them in derby and we're in sedgwick county either they are not banned or the police in derby are not doing anything about the ones that are shooting off fireworks already. Frankly I'm sick of it, the neighborhood kids are shooting them off close to my property and my dogs are having fits, a call to the local police dpt says nothing they can do....so if they are banned in sedgwick county then they should be banned in derby and the derby police dpt needs to start enforcing the ban, if they aren't banned in derby then they need to be, there are other ways of having a good time on the 4th of July without having to endanger your yard, my yard, your life!!!!
    • Posted By: : If everyone was a responible person that means for their self and for the one's that have children, then we wouldn't have had these laws made.The population is so high now that the fire departments are on overload because of the people that will not take responsiblity for their actions.And as far as the fire department setting around!!! Let your house be on fire and then have to wait because these people are not at their work area's because you think they are setting around.I would hate for them to be kept busy 24/7. What would happen to our town without them if that were the case.Already the street that I live on is littered with trash from fire works because people are not responsibly.(not all)
    • Posted By: D: I completely agree with Anonymous at 9:26. Linda, unless you've been living under a rock, it's been well known for years that fireworks are illegal in the city limits. They make the same announcements every year. They don't sell the "big" illegal fireworks in the city but everyone still goes out of city limits to buy them and then come back home and shoot them off out in the neighborhood streets. I've seen fireworks in my neighborhood that would rival the ones at riverfest and Lawrence Dumont stadium and they aren't legal in the city.
    • Posted By: : Cliff: That's true but when they are burned off purposely there are fire control measures in place. When someone sets a fire with fireworks they tend to run away and then it gets out of control. Like I said, I've missed work because of people who do this. The reason why they made them illegal in Sedgwick County to begin with is because most people here are not responsible enough to use them safely. And Linda: They've been telling people every year that they are illegal. Most people just don't pay attention. And they only selll fireworks in Wichita that you can set off in Wichita. That's why they've always said "Shoot them where you buy them".
    • Posted By: Rod: I'm with 'Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 08:08 AM'... Helps us Obama! We need you to protect us from ourselves! ALL PRAISE OBAMA!!!
    • Posted By: Linda: Ok, for one I think if they were illegal, than why didn't we know about it along time ago. I bet that the majority of the people that lives in Wichita didn't know this, and I think it is not right to start enforcing it NOW, I mean come on the main reason why people shoot of fireworks is for the kids entertainment, Also if its going to be illegal than why on earth should selling fireworks at the stands not be? People see the signs that fireworks are illegal, but when they are driving around wichita and see firework stands it just tempts them that much more. So I think its not right.
    • Posted By: cliff: anonomous at 8;08, fireworks are a tradition on the fourth of july. and the "tinderbox "harvesed wheat fields are usually burnt off this time of year anyway even without fireworks.
    • Posted By: : Bottle Rocket Roger: What makes you think being American means you should have the right to set off explosives? For the idiots who think they need to have fireworks: how many of you have to call into work and tell your boss you can't come in because some moron set fire to your house or yard? What about when they go outside the city & set them off in newly harvested wheat fields that are nothing more than tinderboxes at this time of year? Every year for the past six years I've lost pay because idiots cannot control themselves or the fires they set.
    • Posted By: don: its really sad,,,,we are not hardly even "independent" anymore,,,the government has "used" up all are rights,,,,,like the ol' saying goes though "just be glad your not getting ALL the government you pay for",,,,,period, end of sentence !!!!
    • Posted By: : Anonymous who is coming down on firefighters and their "lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals" has no clue what firefighters do and how many calls many of the stations get,though many are medical. Firefighters are not exactly unpatriotic joy-squelchers, but they are supposed to educate the general public about fire safety. If you even understood all the job entailed you wouldn't talk like that.
    • Posted By: Bottle Rocket Roger: When I lived in a town just north of wichita,we were able to shoot fireworks ALL day long for a week..Park City allows fireworks ALL day long for week,NO problems in either town! We celebrate the 4th like americans in these towns! The people that made fireworks illegal in Wichita and hate the fireworks are ALL UNAMERICAN! Go hide in you're basements and shake like a coward..the M80's are coming!
    • Posted By: : We need two things immediately. One, a petition to remove this descriminatory 1978 law against residents of the county, and secondly, another petition to remove the authors of this law if they are still in office, and any other person in authority that supports it. I'll drive any distance to sign those petitions. Our tax dollars were used to print and post these signs and will also be used again to remove them, and patrol neighborhoods looking for little kids shooting ladyfinger firecrackers. This travesty of the use of our tax dollars must be exposed with those that have attacked Independence Day.
    • Posted By: Bob: Enforce the law! Many firewoks are dangerous, destructive, and disturbing--especially to pets.
    • Posted By: : I never knew there were so many un-educated people around the state. It even says in the text of the story, that the fire department is not going to be doing extra patrolling, due to staffing. People are very careless with their fireworks in the "uncorperated" area's of the county. You add wind, and some dry wood, or brush.. And you cause a very dangerous situation, and put those "poorly staffed" fire deparments that respond in danger. ****If you live in a town/city in "sedgwick County".. you need to check your local laws. The no fireworks law - is for "uncorprated" - aka *NOT IN CITY LIMITS*
    • Posted By: Michelle: Can't we come to a compromise? Make them illigal everyday of the year, except the 4th? I agree with the ones on here that said we are celebrating our FREEDOM! This is what the USA is about. Hotdogs, baseball and fireworks! 8-)
    • Posted By: Kristy: "But many like Sedgwick County Resident Michael Dixson don't plan on breaking the law." Seriously - someone who writes for a news station should be familiar with proper grammar usage.
    • Posted By: : How ironic it is that it's Independance Day however; they tell you that you can't fire off any fireworks.....at least any that are worth paying money for. Yes, we're slowly on our way to becoming a communist country. I miss Archie Bunker!
    • Posted By: : Why even celebrate??? Pretty sad when Amerians can't participate in the tradation and celebration of America's Indepandance. I feel for you rual Sedwick County people. Sedwick County SUCKS!!
    • Posted By: Tim: The Fire Department IS NOT encouraging people to call 911 every time they see people shooting fireworks, this will create an unnecessary strain on the 911 system. The problem is being worked on and will take time to get things all straightened out. If you have an emergency or a problem that warrants calling 911 by all means call 911. What is not needed is a call to 911 every time you see someone shooting a firecracker.
    • Posted By: : The fire departments are going out of their way with NO FIREWORKS signs just because they don't want to have to work any more than they have to. Little fire here and there disrupts their lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals!
    • Posted By: topper: at one time you couldn't shoot fire works in dodge, now that we can the 2nd through the 5th i think. i havent heard of more fires or whatever it is you think is going to happen if you were to allow.. its the 4th of july, and you stoping people from celebrating. thats dumb if you ask me. besides, people are going to shoot them off no matter what you do.
    • Posted By: Frankie: The Fire Department says it only enforces the law against fireworks in Sedgwick County, but I've lived here since 1938 and I remember that it was the Sedgwick County Fire Department that pushed for the County Commissioners to pass the illegal fireworks law.
    • Posted By: anoymous: It is a little confusing, because Park City has fireworks tents all over, but I thought Bel Aire and Park City were actually their own "cities", and not part of unincorporated Sedgwick County. And they are allowed in Goddard,I checked out the website. I wish there was a central list posted where they are legal/illegal, because I do think there is confusion about this, especially when I thought I heard people in Bel Aire saying they purchased permits in the past. Can anyone elaborate?
    • Posted By: Debby: If they are illegal why are they sold in the city where they are illegal?
    • Posted By: : Isn't it funny how it's called Independance Day but yet big brother wants to tell us we can't shoot fireworks? Screw you big brother!! I'm firing mine off!!
    • Posted By: Elmer: I saw on the news that you are asking the neighbors to report the people who are using fireworks to the police. Hitler did the same thing when enforcing his laws. Are we coming closer to socialist government, or are you just trying to create a community that is untenable due to loss of trust in neighbors? I can't believe we are repeating history again.
    • Posted By: bob: i think the county is forgetting what we are celebrating, our independence. so they should let us shoot them where you buy them.
    • Posted By: Justin: Land of the Free, My hind end. Restrictions yes, understandable. But, all out ban? This is not the America I fought for!!!!! Maybe before long we won't have any independence to celebrate!!! And I'm sure the fire fighters are just having to do what there told. Heck, most of them love fire or they wouldn't be doing there job.
    • Posted By: : "fire dept only enforces the law" im sure they had a say in how it was created. thats like saying police dont have a quota when writing tickets when im sure they do. how else are police measured when trying for promotions and raises--its by how many tickets they write, how many crimes they solve, ect. people are gonna shoot off fireworks and worry bout what happens later because this is the one time in the year that we get to do so! plus it helps celebrate america's birthday !!
    • Posted By: Mikea: I sure wish there was something we could do about the rednecks who insist on setting off the big heavy skybursts in our neighborhood at 1am every night. Fireworks should be illegal inside the city. Loud car radios are, and fireworks are more dangerous.
    • Posted By: Bob: Ok maybe this is a stupid question, but what is unincorporated Sedgwick County? What is meant by that?
    • Posted By: AJ Simkatu: Everyone knows that fireworks that go up in the sky are illegal, even in the city of Wichita. The problem is that nobody cares. Most people think the ban is a ridiculous overreaction to a small problem. People are sick of the nanny state telling us what we can and can't do with our own lives and property. What's next, ban skydiving, skiing, riding dirt bikes, mountain climbing? The government needs to mind its own business and stay out of ours.
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