There will be more fireworks in SeaTac's electoral politics this winter.

In September, city voters narrowly defeated a property tax hike that would have funded the replacement of two fire stations and the hiring of additional firefighters.

That election battle caused harsh words between former mayor Frank Hansen, who opposed the tax, and current lawmakers.

Now voters will have a chance in February to overturn the city's new fireworks ban as the result of a residents' initiative campaign.

City council members unanimously rejected on Oct. 10 a proposed new fireworks ordinance that came to them through a petition drive.

King County Elections officials reported the petition contained valid signatures of 1,626 registered SeaTac voters, with 1,533 valid signatures required to refer the ordinance to the council.

In an interview with the Times/News, City Manager Craig Ward said officials of the fireworks industry led the drive.

Assistant City Attorney Julia Yoon told lawmakers that if they rejected or failed to act on the petition, the proposed ordinance must go on the Feb. 6 ballot.

If the new fireworks ordinance passes, only the voters could amend or repeal it later, according to Yoon.

A special election will cost the city about $30,000.

"Thirty thousand dollars is the cost of democracy, which is pretty cheap compared to some of the other things we do," Mayor Gene Fisher commented.

The proposed ordinance would allow the discharge of fireworks in the city from July 3 through July 5 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1 with time restrictions.

Fireworks could be sold June 28 though July 5 and Dec. 27 through Dec. 31.

This year's Independence Day weekend was the first holiday period that SeaTac's ban was in effect.

Fireworks for licensed shows or religious displays are still allowed under the ban.

Youths playing with fireworks in a field were blamed for a massive blaze on July 2 that destroyed the old Boulevard Park school building.

If approved, the new law would be less restrictive than the ordinance that was replaced by the ban.

SeaTac's previous fireworks law allowed the discharging of fireworks on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Burien and Tukwila ban all fireworks while unincorporated North Highline limits their use to July 4. Normandy Park allows fireworks from June 28 to July 5.

There was little discussion on the proposed ordinance.

Councilman Tony Anderson reported his Public Safety and Justice Committee recommended the council reject or not act on the proposed ordinance.

Lawmakers spent more time discussing two measures on the November ballot.

Councilman Joe Brennan complained that passage of King County's "Transit Now" proposition would do little to improve Metro bus service for SeaTac.

The proposition is a four-point plan for improving bus service in the county.

Other lawmakers argued that South King County cities had supported light rail for SeaTac and the city needs their support for expansion of state Route 509.

"It would behoove us to help out the other cities (on bus service)," Councilman Don DeHan said.

The council voted 5-2 to express support for the proposition. Brennan and Councilwoman Terry Anderson voted against it.

Council members also voted unanimously to express opposition to Initiative 933.

The initiative would prohibit cities and counties from regulating land uses that affect property values without either compensating landowners for decreases in property value or waiving regulations.

Councilman Chris Wythe argued the measure "represents a danger to the development of the city."

He said he became involved in city government because he thought SeaTac had the potential to become an industrial "ghetto."

"Zoning is a way to protect the city," Wythe added.

Fisher said he would reluctantly go along with fellow lawmakers but charged businesses are overregulated.

The mayor said he hopes the initiative is defeated, but by a narrow margin.

"I hope the vote is a wake-up call," Fisher declared.