The Seaside City Council Meeting on March 24 was riveting! I appreciate all of the passion, perspectives and lively debate related to the city contributing $25,000 to the Chamber of Commerce Fireworks display fund.

During the 20-plus years I was employed by the city, I participated in many conversations regarding fireworks, and my question was always, “what would happen if we don’t have fireworks?”

I believe the tourists would still come, and as some of my lodging colleagues would say, provide a “premium booking opportunity” that increases lodging tax collections. In my opinion, the fireworks display negative consequences far outweigh the positives.

The impact on our veterans, our beloved pets, not to mention the money that, literally, goes up in smoke is significant. The strain on our uniformed staff and volunteers, during the already busy summer months is substantial.

With so many worthy causes in our community, aren’t there better, more compassionate ways to spend $25,000? The argument that the dollars come from transient lodging tax funds, while likely accurate, could be funneled into programs that benefit both our visitors and local citizens.

GRETCHEN DARNELL
Seaside