Tag: Governance

Some considerations on the “Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act”

Carl Setzer

So, I read this article “Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act” over at KNKX and have a few concerns.

Mainly, we do so much more with our phones than just call/text. Will this bill make using GPS illegal? What about radios? I often use my phone to play music. Where does that fall?

Now I haven’t had a chance to look into this deeper, and it might be simply too late to really impact the legislation. However, I still see value in bringing up the concerns.

I do see the value in what they’re trying to do. Just need to make sure it’s thought through enough so that it doesn’t cause too much “unintended consequences”.

I guess we’ll see what comes of it.

 

Fireworks and Living in the Neighborhood

Carl Setzer

Sitting up last night, appx 1:30 am, listening to the booms and watching the flashes of my neighbor’s festivities got me thinking. This area has several interesting conundrums regarding fireworks.

I live in unincorporated Snohomish County. Whatever ordinances might be in place are pathetically enforced. Lives would need to be at risk in order for the Sheriff to respond. (Not to disparage my local officers…community police work is pretty challenging as the Sheriff’s staff is run quite thin. One reason to vote for incorporation into Lynnwood…whenever that finally comes). Lynnwood isn’t much better. Technically, exploding and airborne fireworks are verbotten. However, I saw several exceptions to that which were purchased (apparently) at local stands. Anyway, locals know that little will be done to enforce those controls…at least on the Fourth.

Edmonds has had a ban for years. I loved the Fourth when I lived down there since it was quite calm. The war-zone ambiance was completely lacking (unlike my current neighborhood).

Marysville has the tough issue of immediate proximity to Boom City. Enforcement would be an exercise in futility, I’m sure.

Anyway, just some random thoughts. Don’t know if I’m fully for, or against, fireworks bans. I enjoy the things fine, but also like being able to sleep at night.

What do you think?