Fourth of July Budget Sparks Fireworks

A budget discussion this week became heated over allocation of funds to the city’s annual fireworks show, money that Councilman Barry Hammond complained would go to the police union that runs the event.

“The bottom line is, we’re being asked to give $5,000 to a labor union,” Hammond told his City Council colleagues. “I have some real problems with any public funds going to a labor union for any reason at all.”

Council members approved a $62-million spending plan for the 1996-97 fiscal year, including the $5,000 contribution to the Irvine Police Officers Assn.’s Fourth of July fireworks show at Heritage Park.

Mayor Mike Ward joined Hammond in voting against the donation to the fireworks show.

“If they were there to raise money for a nonprofit thing to benefit the community, I’d be more than happy to vote ‘yes’ on this,” Ward said.

“My problem is where the proceeds of this fireworks show go.”

Councilwoman Christina Shea, who proposed the contribution, said she resented having the funding turn into a political issue.

“The association for years has put on this fireworks program,” Shea said.

“It is for the community, it is not just something for benefit” of the police association.

Councilman Greg Smith said that, though he too is concerned about giving public money to a labor union, it is important to support the municipal fireworks display because private use of fireworks is illegal.

Councilwoman Paula Werner suggested that in future years the expenditure be designated for a Fourth of July community event without specifying the police union as the recipient.

“It’s always interesting when you get something that involves patriotism, politics and the police,” Werner said.