Reader poll
What should the Emporia City Comission do with Clean-Air Emporia's proposal to make Emporia smoke free?
- Not approve it
- Approve it
- Seek input with an advisory election
1367 total votes.
Bobbi Sauder, program director for Clean Air Emporia, presented the group’s proposed ordinance to regulate smoking in public areas to the city commission at Wednesday morning’s study session.
“We are looking for a simple, fair, level playing field, a comprehensive ordinance,” Sauder told the commission, stating that the ordinance would involve all enclosed places and all places of employment in the city of Emporia. “That would include every enclosed business within the city.”
Sauder gave an example of Wichita’s ordinance, and how exemptions to the smoking ban, such as allowing smoking in bar areas of restaurants, don’t offer “a level playing field.”
“When you start adding exemptions, it weakens the ordinance,” Sauder said, “and makes it almost impossible to enforce.”
“There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure,” Sauder said. “The surgeon general reports since 1964 have undisputedly documented this serious health issue. ... This report sets the standards and guides the United States by sound science, and is the leading voice for the health of all Americans.”
“In 1986 ... it was concluded both the carcinogenicity of secondhand smoke and the adverse effects on all Americans had created a public health issue. And now, in 2008, we are recognizing ... how serious secondhand smoke exposure is to life,” Sauder said.
“(This) is an issue that will improve all Emporians’ lives.”
Sauder referred to a survey completed last April by the ESU health promotion class in which 1,230 Emporians over 18 were asked their opinions on the issue. This total consisted of 608 people from 14 bars and the bowling alley, and 622 adults from area restaurants that serve alcohol. According to the report, 61 percent of people in the bars and 81 percent of people in the restaurants stated that they wanted smoke-free establishments.
“This closely represents the data from the 2007 Sunflower State study, stating that 70 percent of Kansans are non-smokers and are requesting smoke-free ordinances,” she said. “... When you weigh alternatives, based on the overwhelming evidence it is clear that compromise means compromising public health. The danger is real. ... Governments have an obligation to establish policies that protect people from known health hazards.”
Initial discussion among Sauder and the commissioners revolved around whether enforcement of the ordinance would be an administrative issue or a criminal one. “Different commissioners have asked, “What department enforces this?” Sauder said. “That is something we have left up to you.”
“I may say too that all these (other cities’) ordinances have said that it is very difficult to enforce if it’s not comprehensive, and you set yourself to have a big problem,” she said, “and you set different establishments up to not have a level playing field. A comprehensive plan is very important.”
Further discussion focused on the economic impact of a smoke-free ordinance. “You’ve shown that the number of customers (in other cities) did not decrease,” Vice-mayor Jeff Longbine said. “I visited with three restaurant owners in Lawrence who indicated that their number of customers did not decrease; the duration of time spent and the total bill, the dollars per customer, did decrease 20 to 30 percent because the smokers were in a hurry to leave to go smoke.”
Commissioners agreed on the importance of public input and access for the public to the group’s information.
A public hearing was tentatively set for Sept. 29.
dale011 (anonymous) says...
My 2 cents again. I am a non-smoker and hate to breathe in someone else's exhaled smoke, but this is a free society and we don't need Big Sister telling us how to behave. If a business chooses to allow smoking I won't go there - think S&S cafe. I went there once, choked down my breakfast and left. Their loyal customer base wants to smoke, so smoke em if you got em. That's the type of decision adults make. We already have trouble keeping our money in town, so anything that gets in the way will drive business out of town.
September 11, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
The title of this article "Emporians want smoking ban" just cracks me up. If that is the case, then why won't they let the public decide in November? If the majority want it, then it will pass. Why is it that the holy rollers are wanting the city council to decide? What are they afraid of?
September 11, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
"Emporians want smoking ban"? I feel bad. No one asked my opinion. I guess I am just one of the majority of Emporians who were not asked about this and who actually do NOT favor this unfair, unnecessary, unenforceable invasion of rights and restriction of freedom of choice. This is the will of a few being forced upon the many.
September 11, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
“(This) is an issue that will improve all Emporians’ lives.” Bobbi Sauder
Will it really? Tell me, Bobbi Sauder....exactly how many people in Emporia, Kansas have died as a direct result of second hand smoke over the last 100 years? 200 years?
How many people in Emporia, Kansas have even been hospitalized as a direct result of second hand smoke over the last 100 years?
Then tell me....exactly which businesses will you PERSONALLY patronize after the ban that you do NOT patronize now because of second hand smoke?
Now tell me again, are you sure this ban will "improve ALL Emporians' lives?"
Please answer the questions.
You know what will REALLY improve ALL Emporians' lives? If you would devote your time, energy, and money to lowering taxes and bringing good-paying jobs to Emporia.
That's what will improve everyone's lives.
September 11, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Right on, Mr. O. Add improve Newman's Hospital to your list.
September 11, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
agoldengirl (anonymous) says...
Hello Theresa, I would like to thank you Bobbi for looking after my well being to make sure I am not submitted to second hand smoke. I remember when the Santa Fe was running this town and supplied a lot of jobs, now I only see them pass through. Emporia wants new businesses and out of town shoppers to come here so we can reap from their dollars, well little girls, it doesn't work that way. You can't have it both. People have the right to make choices and you want to make them for them or should I say us, as in me. I have never been insulted by any business in Emporia that had to post a sign of politically correct non smoking. As adults we know what is expected and do not need you to police us. How did you respond to the fat grams in a Wendy/s hamburger? You were wiling to sell them fat grams that you didn't care about and could be considered money before fat or health, but you nor Francis changed your menu for the sake of children. Don't you think you should let the commissioners do their jobs and you both just get one that none of us care what it is rather than parading your cause of "makes me feel good" all over the town? I have children,7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, but most importantly lived most of my life in Emporia and have never been so insulted that you think you should be the voice of me or my family. Get a job with benefits unless you don't need the money, and yes, I still work full time because I need insurance benefits, but not your's. Not your friend of choice.
September 11, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
I am leery of any "bans" on legal activities. I don't smoke but I would applaud a lawsuit against the city for banning legal activities by adult Americans
September 11, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
I am curious about something. Can someone answer a question for me? I halfway remember when restaurants were smoking no matter where you were seated. What brought about the change to have a smoking section and a non-smoking section? Was it government involvement, or did customers demand the change?
Thanks,
Pin
September 11, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
straight_thinker (anonymous) says...
I don't understand what say the government should have in it. If local business owners want a smoke free establishment they can put up a sign and ask anyone who does not respect the direction to leave.
Why is there going to be a law to fix what can be fixed without the law?
If people want to go to a place that is smoke-free they can. If there are no smoke-free places, why is a minority dictating what rules a majority will follow?
If some patrons want smoking and some want smoke-free, why not let those who run businesses do what their customers wish?
September 11, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnDoe (anonymous) says...
There is a major factor that is being over-looked by these smoking ban supporters: the businesses effected. Bars in the larger cities with smoking bans have been forced to build costly outdoor patios and open-air decks to accommodate smoking customers purely for survival. The last time I drove around town there is an extremely small number of our establishments(downtown especially) that have the space to make such an enhancement. That's of course if they can afford to do so. This smoking ban only threatens current businesses that have done nothing but accommodate their customers. At a time when the economy is slow, this will only make matters worse. As a non-smoker I don't like smelling like smoke, but it has always been my choice to go to a smoking-permitted business. Let the business owners decide how they want to run their businesses.
Also, did anyone else laugh when they read that "simple," "fair," and "level playing field" equates to EVERYTHING-No Exceptions?!? I thought "fair" was a compromise, not 'all or nothing.'
September 11, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rox_alan (anonymous) says...
I use to be a smoker and after reading that article to me the rights of the smoker is being taken away. From my understanding already alot of them public places people know they can't smoke in, library, hospital, county courthouse, etc and now you telling them like they are a child. "You can't smoke here and here and here." Alot is just plain commen sense on where you can or can't smoke and it should be up to the establishment not the "Clean Air of Emporia", cause they did not ask the whole population of the city. I wasn't asked... and I'm sure there was a few others from reading of the post that didn't get asked. So they can't say that "Emporians Want the Smoking Ban." Goodness next they will tell us what we can do in our own homes. This isn't a free country anymore it's more like a dictarship where the city tells us what we can do or what we can't do. What are our men and women fighting for then? Surely not our freedom of choice cause it is slowly being taken away from us little by little.
September 11, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
Well whats next from our city commissioners are they going to put marshal law in affect.They seem to think they are gods when they get in their little room.We the people have no rights anymore. Heck we have no FREEDOMS in this city no freedom of speech the gazette will remove what you say if they dont like it but they can put what ever stupid articles they want to, say what they want and thats ok.Now these people are saying were doing this for your health I say BS your just trying to run our lives.We all have rights in this country not just certain groups. As for wendys that place was filthy a real class act I drive by there now its the cleanest ive ever seen it.You want to stop public smoking while your at it maybe your can stop public drinking in restaurants or can you not go out to eat without having a drink afterwards.AS FOR THE GAZETTE today is 9 11 and nothing in the paper about it probably the only paper in the United States who didnt see fit to put in an article.
September 11, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hellfirebluefish (anonymous) says...
I am from a town in Colorado where they did implement such a ban. As far as the bar owners losing business, that did not happen. They simply made an outdoor area for smokers to go. The restaurants are now free of smoke. At first the smokers did not like the idea, but after awhile they had no problem with going outside to light up. I am a smoker myself, and I AGREE with the ban. I don't think a non-smoker should have to breathe the smoke, without choice. I would have no problem waiting until dinner was over, or simply going outside to light up.
September 11, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm. The headlline above states that the anti-smoking crusaders claim "Emporians want smoking ban", yet all 12 of the current posts are clearly AGAINST the smoking ban proposed by Walters' Warriors and Sauders' Social Soldiers. The mysterious majority of Emporians claiming to want this smoking ban must be a quiet lot... or the EDA storm troopers are attempting to sell us some snake oil. Surely not!
September 11, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flexj66801 (anonymous) says...
I still say its special interests groups like this one who are taking about our simple & common sense rights. If you let this happen, Where does it stop? I like the idea that since "other cities & towns have implemented ordinances like this" we should to. Are we jumping a bandwagon? Why is it that Emporia is always trying to be something its not, usually with some moron at the reigns & some special interest Northwestern Emporia citizen behind it. I hope they put this to vote so they will know once & for all that we (the REAL Emporians) value our freedom of choice. We have enough unenforceable laws already & surely someone is smart enough to figure that out.
September 11, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Midwestern_girl (anonymous) says...
Go "Clean Air Emporia!" This is LONG overdue!
September 11, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
"I don't think a non-smoker should have to breathe the smoke, without choice" hellfirebluefish
Hellfirebluefish, as has been posted over and over and over (but the ban supporters refuse to hear), non-smokers don't HAVE to breathe the smoke. Nobody is dragging them into businesses that allow smoking, they are entering at their own free will.
The DO have a choice. They can CHOOSE not to enter. They can CHOOSE to do business in the many non-smoking establishments that already exist.
What in the world is so hard about this concept that you people refuse to see or even acknowledge?
September 12, 2008 at 4:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
SMOKING EMPORIAN'S SAY THEY WANT GROUP BAN
This should have been the title of the article! lol
September 12, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
To all those posting on these blogs who are against the ban need to also go to The city of Emporia's web sight and e-mail their thoughts to the city commissioners and the city manager, They want your input.
September 12, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WILLIAM_A (anonymous) says...
ACLU AKA “AMERICAN CIVAL LIBERTIES UNION”
WHERE ARE YOU ???
FOR THE LOVE OF PETE. As a non smoker, I can see through the smoke screen that Sauder and Walters are emitting and it stinks. I, as a tax paying citizen make a choice everyday to eat lunch at a non smoking establishment. That choice may be a local non smoking restaurant or I may go home for lunch. But that is MY CHOICE and I don’t need a local elite group to help me make that choice.
As a parent it is MY RESPONSIBLITY to protect my children from anything that MAY cause harm to them, so I CHOOSE not to take them into to smoking establishments. Heck, I won’t even let my kids take a ride with me to the landfill to dispose of my grass clippings. I bet an air quality test there, would knock your socks off...
For the private business owners out there that allow smoking … I appreciate your hard work and tax dollars that you contribute to OUR town, just as I do of business owners who don’t allow smoking. As a business owner, it is YOUR CHOICE to allow or ban legal activities in YOUR business.
Please leave OUR RIGHTS alone and let each individual and business CHOOSE whats best for them and their family.
Maybe a study on the effects welding fumes have on an employee, who spends all day welding in a metal tank at the local tank fabricating manufacture would be money well spent.
September 12, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
house (anonymous) says...
What a waste of time and money to put up a platform of the issue constantly speaking of a level playing field. Where is the since in such a statement. you think they could crusade about something that people would at least take a positive stand about not something so controversial as to expect a legal law to change. Try something else.
September 12, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
As a non smoker that supports this act by not going to bars and restaurants that are not smoke free I ask you to solve this dilemma for me. There are many others that feel as I do and follow my same practices, how will you go about capturing our dollars an "shop Emporia first" when the list of places I like to go is very limited. I think bars should be defined and excluded from this but everything else in this ordinance I am fine with.
September 12, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
If it is what Emporians really want put it to a vote. If it passes great if it doesn't great. That way the majority will rule and a special interest group wont get to shove something down everyone's throat. That will really tell if Emporians want this or if those Country Club Crusaders are just making stuff up.
September 12, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bdk (anonymous) says...
Let businesses & individuals continue to exercise freedom of choice. The suggested alternative proposed, that was much less intrusive, seemed markedly superior to me.
September 12, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Crackinsack: Your comments are disturbingly arrogant, condescending, and patronizing: and therein llies the problem with this proposed smoking ban. A small group of bored, elitist, self-perceived socially superior matrons have appointed themselves the moral conscience of the community. Empowered by a false sense of power and privilege, and with far too much idle time on their hands, they (you) have launched a campaign against a habit they disdain and a problem that doesn't even exist. In the wake of their campaign to force the rest of us to adhere to their perception of Utopia lies all sense of reason and the rights of local business owners.
Your comments above have shown the true colors of the hateful, rude, elitest element behind this Ban the Boogyman crusade. Because some don't share your holier-than-thou attitide and support for your repressive smoking ban, you disrespect us by calling us a "non-essential part of the machine" and suggest the city "get rid of" us "rather than to constantly maintain" us. The most inane and condescending of your comments came when you slammed us with "I'm not saying you can't contribute to society." What the...? And then you have the unmitigated gall to say we "need to be refurbished first" and "just aren't compatible" with you and your narrow-minded witch-hunting friends! You should be ashamed of yourself.
You were right about one thing though, Crackinsack; "the squeaky wheel" does "get the grease" and you and your oppressive elitist friends are getting heavily greased. Walters, Sauders, and the Bully Pulpit of Privilege started all this noisy squeaking; or should that be "squawking?" The rest of the community is just applying a heavy coat of grease in an attempt to counter your relentless, nonsensical attack on smoking, smokers, individual freedom of choice, and rights of business owners.
I find the statements made in your post to be deeply offensive, crackinsack, as well as elitist, condescending, and highly indicative of the collective thinking of the small group of self-perceived socially superior harpies attempting to dictate law and lifestyle in middle America.
I believe your revealing comments above just drove a stake into the heart of the selfish attempt to rule our world. Your tasteless, rude, and hurtful words will show all Emporians exactly who, and what, is really behind this ridiculous smoking ban.
September 12, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OutsiderJ (anonymous) says...
Well said Bjemp!!!!
As far as goodoldboy's choices being limited. The majority of restaraunts in Emporia are smoke free. Some that weren't have become so in the last 2 or 3 months. This alone is proof that the free market and the business/property owners can take care of this problem.
September 12, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Crackinsack,
I just emailed your little wheel comment to the city commissioners, to show them that this ban has absolutely nothing to do with "clean air."
Love,
Matt Slater
Owner-Josie's
September 12, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Sorry, crackinsack: I'm not a writer or a spellling champion. I am just a poor, disgusting, socially challenged, smelly, offensive, child-endangering smoker who, when extremely angry or forced to deal with unreasonable and irrational people, gets in a hurry and makes typing errors. Thankfully, socially superior wordsmiths like you are always willing to point out my learning deficiencies.
You are taking the Obama/Liberal left wing/Democratic Party approach to this debate. That is, you have no real ammunition and know you can't win with facts or substance, so you resort to personal attacks, name calling, and lies to confuse the issue. You have made it abundantly clear with your previous post that this smoking ban is about a lot more than "clean air". It is much more about control, power, and desire by a few to dictate the behavior of many.
The vast majority of restaurants in town are all ready smoke-free. All public buildings in town are all ready smoke-free. Virtually all offices and businesses are smoke-free. No one forces you or your socially polished friends to patronize the businesses that are not, so exactly what is it you want banned?
The fact is, you and your pals are like ghost hunters. It's a fun and exciting adventure, but you will never find a ghost because ghosts just don't exist: much like the secondhand smoking problem in Emporia.
September 12, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
Crackinsack,
You are correct. Times are a changing and less and less people are smoking. I don't think anyone is questioning the health aspects of smoking. What everyone is questioning is why the holy rollers think they have the right to tell everyone else how to live their lives. News Flash! People smoke, drink and gasp! have sex before marriage. It is no ones job but theirs to decide to take part in these activities or not take part. They are all legal if you are of age.
More restaurants are going smoke free by choice because their customers demand it. Eventually, I would venture to guess that all of them would be smoke free by choice if the government did not pass this ban. However, they would be doing it by choice not because the government told them to.
September 12, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
I also don't think a vote would be an appropriate measure of the support in this case because while a majority of *voters* would make the decision, it would not likely reflect the views of the majority of *Emporians*.
Recent voter turnouts have been very low - ranging anywhere from 18 - 30 percent. Hardly a majority of Emporians.
I would suspect that the majority of those voting would tend to be in the same demographic as the "Country Club Crusaders " (I love that term, by the way). Probably higher income levels and possibly higher education levels.
I can certainly see why the Walters et. al. would want to put it on the ballot for a vote because there is a good chance that it would pass - not because a majority of Emporians want this, but because the majority of *voters* (very likely people just like Walters and her ilk) would. There is a difference.
Just leave the private business alone and let the business owners decide for themselves if they want to allow smoking or not.
(By the way, someone posted above said something about smokers being quite the squeaky wheel...but I have to say, there appear to be a fair number of nonsmokers - myself included - who are also against the ban).
September 12, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Mister O,
Saubere Luft Emporia DOES NOT want this to come to a vote. I feel they don't want this to come to a vote, because it will fail. Yes, voter turn out has been low, but to me, this seems the only fair way to do this. If this gets voted in, I can accept that, if it gets outvoted, great. If someone doesn't like it, and they don't vote, they can't really bitch. Majority rules, thats the foundation this country is founded on. This group is against a vote, and I have a few suspicions why.
Crackinsack--
Your comment is exactly the rationale/principals of the Saubere Luft Emporia. I'm not relying on your comments to make my case, but they sure are reinforcing it.
Your pen-pal,
Matt Slater
Owner-Josie's
September 13, 2008 at 2:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Crackinsack says, "Try not to take everything I say SO seriously."
If you don't want to be taken seriously, why post an opinion? Telling people they are but unnecessary elements in your special wheel of purity smacks of Fascism.
I agree with Mr. O in that there appears to be a large number of non-smokers who have posted opposition to Luftreinigungsapparates proposal.
September 13, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Renegade (anonymous) says...
Good Grief...Whatever happened to someone just asking you not to smoke in their business, or home, or on their premises? How about asking restaurant owners to post if they are a smoking/non smoking restaurant?
Where does it stop?
What happened to common sense? I have never seen anyone smoking in a retail store.(I've been here a year and a half)....and, IF I don't want to go in a restaurant that allows smoking...I won't go!..My Choice!!!!!
But, when I have gone to restaurants that allow smoking, I see fewer and fewer people smoking.
I think society is figuring it out for themselves..We don't need a GROUP to tell us that the people of Emporia want the ban. Just let the people decide by their VOTE.
In the end, it probably won't matter anyway, because like in California, and Colorado... the individual towns can decide what they want for their community..but, eventually the State of Kansas will decide for us, and make us a non-smoking State.
Cigarettes ARE still legal!!!!
No offense to the Clean Air Group....I think you should BUTT OUT..(pun intended) ...and let the Voters decide.
That's why we fight for democracy!!!
September 13, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Crackinsack: It seems you can't make any decisions on your own without the government making the choice for you. Instead of trying to force your socialist form of government on us, why don't you look into moving to Cuba, I'm sure they could use a few more sheep to rule over. But then you wouldn't be able to post to your favorite blogs on the internet.
September 13, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Everyone: The thing to remember is this proposed ban is not just for bars and resturants.
IT IS EVERY BUILDING, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE in the city! How much tax revenue and jobs will Emporia lose when those smoking truck drivers cruise past the Flying J truck stop to stop and fill up and eat at BETO JUNCTION?
September 13, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
Could someone tell me do these two go out to eat and set around thinking of what they can try to ban next?While they are having an after dinner DRINK.Thats the setting I want to take my family out for a nice meal is setting by two old drunks complaining about everything. Maybe they should ban drinking in public because they have to stagger to their car to get home and put innocent people on the streets at risk of their drunk driving.
September 13, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
wyseguy-
It wouldn't surprise me one bit. I think the only thing scarier is the fact that one of these people is running for county commissioner.
September 13, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
Truthfully I think everyone here has a good opinion, and every voice is necessary. I am a smoker and have lived in Emporia for the better part of the last 15 years. In that time Emporia has had a lot of controversy swirling around it. The biggies that stand in my mind are the millions of dollars in debt, lack of jobs and now cigarettes? I am a smoker but I fail to see what this ban will accomplish besides upsetting and splitting the community. Smokers vs Non-Smokers in the very first "Clean Air" Royal Rumble. There are very few businesses in the country that allow smoking now, simply because of people like Sauder and Walters telling everyone that they aren't against smokers, they just want universal health. I agree that people should be healthy. I don't agree with their, "its for you own good" philosophy. They are basically saying we don't know any better so we should just step in line and follow like cattle. The notion of "no exemptions to maintain a level playing field" is ludicrous. How is it playing fair if smokers have absolutely no say in where the ban will be? Is it fair if only the non-smokers have a say, I think not. I agree with many here in that I was not asked, my wife, brother, mother-in-law, actually anyone I know. And I know quite a few people. Let it go to a vote in November, if it passes fine, if not better luck next year.
September 13, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
the community. Smokers vs Non-Smokers in the very first "Clean Air" Royal Rumble.
This would be a Great Way to start off Emporia's first Cage Match!
September 13, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA YOU STUPID DRUNK IDIOTS .THE GOVERNING BODY IT SOUNDS LIKE SOME FOOLS TRYING TO CHANGE WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS BASED ON.FREEDOM IS ALL OF OUR RIGHTS NOT JUST YOURS YOU DONT LIKE IT ITS YOUR RIGHT TO MOVE THE HELL OUT OF THIS COUNTRY.YOU WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME MAYBE WE SHOULD BAN WOMEN FROM RUNNUING FOR ANY OFFICE.YOU SHOULD BE SEEN OR NOT BUT CERTAINLY NOT HEARD.LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE THE WRONG PEOPLE IN OFFICE EVEN CONCIDERING A FOOL BAN LIKE THIS.BUT I GUESS IT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH YOU PAY SOMEONE AROUND HERE TO WHAT GETS DONE.WHATS NEXT SMOKE FROM BBQ GRILLS.YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE FREEDOMS FROM OTHER PEOPLE JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT LIKE IT.THEY HAVE TAKEN RELIGION OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS BUT THEY STILL MAKE YOU SWEAR ON THE BIBLE IN COURT.THERE MIGHT BE SOME BIG CHANGES COME NOVEMBER.MAYBE ILL TAKE UP SMOKING JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT LIKE IT.
September 13, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
I started a facebook event for the smoking ban townhall meeting on Sept. 29th.
http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/ev...
If you are against this smoking ban, and use facebook, pass this on to all your friends and invite them too. In order to combat Saubere Luft Emporia, which has all the grant money, we must have the numbers, and we must force this thing to a vote.
September 13, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawker (anonymous) says...
Bjnemp, et. al: You have made excellent points, all well reasoned and persuasive to reasonable people. Of course, the proponents of this ban have become so wrapped up in it that they are no longer reasonable. My question now is how to best defeat this outrageous proposal? What strategy can we use? I suppose that for now, the target audience consists of only 5 people (the City Commissioners) since they have the authority to either adopt it, reject it or submit it to a public vote. I strongly recommend that we all contact our commissioners and make this case. If the commission chooses to put it to a vote, you can bet that the "Clean Air Committee" will be well organized, with money, fully prepared to present a campaign. We are unorganized with no money and not even close to being able to present a campaign. Posting on these blogs is helpful, but reaches only a tiny fraction of the community. Let's hope that by individually contacting the commissioners that we find that they are reasonable people who will put an end to this Big Brother idea; however, if they don't and submit it to a vote, somebody is going to have to take charge of getting our point of view in front of the voters. It is an unfortunate fact that if the "Clean Air Committee" is all that the voters hear from, this will pass. Even though reason is clearly on our side, it will still require a lot of work and money to defeat this insidious, elitist, politically correct proposal. I'm way too old and used up, so it will have to be someone other than me. Is there an ambitious and smart young person out there? Whomever it is, the rest of us need to support him or her with our money and our time. If we don't, Big Brother will be here to stay.
September 14, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Jayhawker, I'd suggest giving business and financial support to the folks who have been putting the full page ads against the ban in the last few days' paper. Nicely done Steve, I'll be down to see you next week. I'd also suggest encouraging all those with the intelligence to see past the smoke and BS that the committee is spewing to contact the City Commissioners. I don't live within the City of Emporia, but I will be sending letters to the City Council members anyway as I spend most of my money within their jurisdiction.
September 18, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
There is going to be a meeting here at Josie's this coming Monday, the 22nd, for all of the opponents to this ban. The time will be 7 p.m. I am not going to turn the outside lights on, but the doors will be open, so come on in. The address is 19 E. 6th. It's right across from where Bruff's was, the old CJ's, Outback, Buckets, etc, etc. If you are opposed to the smoking ban, for whatever reason, I invite you to attend, and would love to hear your thoughts. Let your friends know!
Matt Slater
Owner-Josie's
P.S.--There will be second hand smoke present.
September 18, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
If the people of CLAP really want a fair and level playing field on this ban, then the part of the ordinance requiring the pulling of licenses after the third offense must be removed. The only businesses in Emporia that require a license are taverns and those who serve alcohol. Sounds like they are trying to force prohabition of liquor on us. Anyone who is against this ban should rethink spending their advertising dollars on Emporia's radio stations.
September 20, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )