MARYSVILLE – Soon after the normally soft-spoken Kamille Norton became “Madam President,” she made a fiery speech about the Marysville City Council’s effort to ban fireworks.

“I won’t vote for it,” she said. “I’ve listened to the process and want what’s best for the community.”

She added that it’s unfortunate that the majority of people who use fireworks in the city are responsible and would be punished for the reckless actions of a few.

“I find it sadly ironic that something that brings neighbors together to celebrate freedom and the birth of this nation is being taken away,” Norton said.

In the end, the council decided to delay a vote on the issue until Jan. 25. Members wanted more time to review the proposed ban. Also, Councilman Jeff Vaughan, who previously has objected to a ban, was away on business.

Youth pastor Brendan Hart of the Mountain View Assembly of God Church in Marysville was among the few others who also spoke against a ban.

He said selling fireworks is their No. 1 fundraiser, raising about half of the youth group’s $16,000 budget.

“It’s crucial,” he said, adding the money helps sends kids on mission trips.

Hart said the fireworks stands are a safe alternative to buying at Boom City on the Tulalip Reservation, where illegal fireworks are sold.

“We’re the family friendly place,” Hart said. “I’d hate to see it go.”

But the evening belonged to Norton, who earlier was voted council president, replacing Vaughan, whose term had expired. Councilman Michael Stevens joked, calling her “Madam President.”

Norton said the city faces a unique challenge, being so close to Boom City .

“People will just head over there to buy, losing money for community nonprofits,” Norton said.

She added that she doubts a ban would stop the use of illegal fireworks.

“Lawbreakers are not going to stop breaking the law with this ban,” she said.

Norton went on to say that she could be convinced to approve a partial fireworks ban.

“A full ban would be the easy way, but we represent the whole community. It’s winner take all, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said.

Norton was referring to an advisory vote on the November ballot last year. Voters favored a ban 59.25 percent to 40.75 percent.

She said she’s not convinced it would be too hard for police and fire to enforce a partial ban. There are obvious differences, for example, between aerial and ground fireworks.

She also said the number of days fireworks could be sold could be limited more, to address people’s concerns that too many fireworks are shot off other than the legal days of July 4 and Dec. 31.

“People did not vote against sparklers,” she said. “I don’t think that’s the issue. There’s a middle somewhere, and we can find it.”