HAVERHILL — The July Fourth fireworks have ignited political fireworks.

The annual holiday display, scheduled for Friday at 10 p.m. at Haverhill Stadium, is a popular show that typically draws thousands of spectators. The fireworks can be seen from miles around.

Mayor James Fiorentini issued a press release inviting people to enjoy the pyrotechnic performance. He also wrote, "The entire event is paid for by private contributions and public private partnerships."

City Councilor David Hall disagrees and said the mayor is painting too rosy a picture. Hall said Fiorentini's release gives the impression that no taxpayer money is involved.

"That's not true," Hall said. "He's telling you half the story."

Hall, chairman of the council's Public Safety Committee, said the city will spend $8,000 in overtime to pay for police officers to patrol the annual Fourth of July festival and fireworks. He said the mayor is reporting "what he wants the people to hear."

Fiorentini agreed Hall "probably has a point" about the city paying overtime for police officers, but he said, "On the Fourth of July, we would probably have extra police officers working, with or without the fireworks."

Hall said the mayor deserves credit for obtaining private donations to keep the festival going. He also praised city Human Services Director Vincent Ouellette for arranging to have the carnival in the spring, which helps pay for the fireworks.

Fiorentini, however, should not say the "entire" festival is funded privately when the city pays for police protection, Hall said.

"He should tell the people the whole story," Hall said.

Fiorentini said Haverhill is "fortunate" that the city will have a Fourth of July fireworks show. Many communities have canceled their pyrotechnics displays because of financial problems, he said.

Much of the funding for the fireworks comes from a "very generous private, anonymous, contributor who has our undying gratitude," the mayor said.

"I hope Councilor Hall will join in the celebration," Fiorentini said. This year's theme will be "Celebrating the Shoe City."

The city will spend $20,000 for the fireworks display. Festival organizers said an unnamed family foundation donated $15,000 of that money, and the remaining $5,000 came from other donations and proceeds from the spring carnival.

The stadium will open at 6 p.m. Friday for people to settle in for entertainment, carnival food and, eventually, the fireworks. Musical entertainment at the festival will be provided by the B Street Bombers, which will perform starting at 8 p.m.

ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ

Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.