Fireworks issue was handled well

It’s rare when you see both sides of a political debate basically do the right thing, but that’s what happened when the Costa Mesa City Council doused Councilwoman Linda Dixon’s proposal to let voters decide whether the city should keep selling the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks.

On the one hand, we think it’s generally a waste of time to keep turning to the voters to referee every time a political issue surfaces.

It’s a waste of their tax dollars to keep asking them if they want this or that.

In this case, it would have cost the city about $100,000 to hold a referendum on the fireworks issue.

We understand Dixon’s impulse, though.

As she pointed out, it’s an issue that has generated a great deal of interest in the community and, judging by that, was worthy of debate.

Advocates argue the sale of the fireworks benefit local community organizations like our schools, while critics point out the dangers and hassles associated with the pyrotechnics.

“My suggestion is, put this on the ballot. At least let people have their say,” former Councilwoman Sandra Genis told the council.

But the people had their say and continue to have their say at each election. If the voting public doesn’t like the way the council members voted on this issue, then they can make their opinions known when they seek re-election.

In a way, Dixon put the council members on the record where they stand on fireworks.

By refusing to put the question on the ballot, Mayor Allan Mansoor and council members Eric Bever and Wendy Leece basically said they have no problem with the status quo.

Try not to judge too harshly, though.

We should be heartened to see the often sparring council members see the possibility for a compromise.

It was good to see Leece and Councilwoman Katrina Foley, who often disagree, suggest a public Fourth of July celebration to help our local organizations fundraise while dampening the enthusiasm for personal fireworks.

And that’s the whole point of democracy. We elect our political representatives to lead us.

If we don’t like the direction, they’re going then we throw the bums out. It’s a waste of time and money to flood every ballot with referendums.

Let’s save those questions for more pressing matters and let our political leaders work out these issues for us. That’s why we elected them.