Recount confirms smoking ban question
Ordinance remains in effect
By Russ Morgan (Contact)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
In a recount of votes concerning Emporia’s smoking ban Tuesday, the “yes” votes stayed the same at 2,369, while the “no” votes lost two to come out at 2,361.
Lyon County clerk Tammy Vopat announced the results before the Board of Canvassers Tuesday after the recount was complete.
Vopat said the two lost votes could be because of a tally error or an error with a tabulator. The touch screen machines were all balanced, she said.
Michael Helbert, who filed for the recount on Monday, said he was disappointed with the results, but he accepted the outcome.
“The election is the election,” Helbert said. “Whether it was 6 votes or eight votes or one vote, majority rules. So whether we agree with it or not, we’re going to have to learn to live with it.”
Helbert posted a $250 bond to pay for the recount, which Vopat said ended up costing $120. The balance will be refunded to Helbert.
He originally filed for the recount because last week's election was so close, he said, and he felt it was important to confirm the numbers.
Absolute (anonymous) says...
Glad to see the recount. It is a good day for public health!
April 14, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imarun_r2 (anonymous) says...
and a great day to stop smoking!
April 14, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NorbyTheGeek (anonymous) says...
Now can we put this issue to bed?
April 14, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
okay! Can we all now get back to being nice people? I suggest a city-wide ice cream social at Soden's Grove!
April 14, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Absolute (anonymous) says...
I think we may need to hug this out.
April 14, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tvarsky (anonymous) says...
This is too funny. I figured this recount would ultimately give the yeses more votes -- and no, I don't think it's some conspiracy. I just hope the Yes-people can quit gloating and the No-people can (myself included) can move on. For better or worse (and I definitely think it's worse for Emporia) this is the way of the world.
April 14, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
brokenarrow (anonymous) says...
Finally!! Hopefully we can all move on now - in a few years we won't remember what it was like to smoke in public places. Change always takes a while to embrace.
April 14, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Why am not surprised the gloaters are out. You all are just pissing people off. Take your gloating and stick it where the sun dont shine. We are tired of your gloating and until the city provides us with butt can receptacles than you will see more of our butts on the streets of Emporia.
Now Emporia's Commercial Street can become like Massachusets Street in Lawrence.
April 14, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
arminius (anonymous) says...
mythoughts...
I like the ice cream social idea.
But isn't ice cream bad for you?
April 14, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cookatwork (anonymous) says...
Agreed... change DOES take time to get used to. I hope that this smoking ban will INCLUDE the judges chambers which it is rumored the judges can still smoke in. I thought the WHOLE courthouse was smoke free. Sorry if this starts anything... but I also heard... again, most likely just rumor... that 26 votes were destroyed and that some votes that were included were from people who do NOT live inside the city limits of Emporia.
April 14, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heloves (anonymous) says...
What about personal responsibility? Those in the service have to field strip the butts and keep them to themselves. Possibly more receptacles are needed but does our younger generation really need more examples of poor sportsmanship and social irresponsibility?
April 14, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Thank You Mike! see that didn't hurt a bit CAE. It will be easier to move on without all the gloating. Maybe Sauder could call off his dogs on his wednesday words.But I'm not sure EOB is ready to start hugging just yet . And I like ice cream to
April 14, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
All I gotta say the machines may have been balanced but anybody with enough computer knowledge can sit out in the parking lot with wi-fi and hack those machines. They have proven it, that is why I stick to paper ballots. Less easy for the election workers or anybody else to change my vote.
It is what it is
April 14, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
What the heck a different count again how funny. Why does the numbers keep changing I wonder. How much were all of you paid this time,. must of dug up some votes they forgot. This is your brain O this is your brain on crack o . crack shove a sock in it, Now thats this is over maybe walters can clean up her mess on 6th street now. Maybe they can make that a dump site or even a bar for commision meeting nobody would have to leave to go to the meetings that way.
The county commisioners tried their best to get alcohol sales on sundays and they won but the city didnt agree. But its funny the alcoholic commisioners can fullfill their wants and needs for alcohol sales.
April 14, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuck (anonymous) says...
I'm pleased with the results and gave a sigh of relief but I'm certainly not gloating. Secondhand smoke does kill and this will eventually save the life of a city resident. It is a giant step forward. But it is not an excuse for anyone to litter our streets and sidewalks with any trash including cigarette butts. We all (including non-smokers) have a responsibility to properly dispose of the products we use.
April 14, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
mythoughts,
I'm not going to organize an ice-cream social, but tonight is the first meeting for the Twin Rivers Festival... ;)
More to follow.
Matt
April 14, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Chuck I know this question has been asked many times but please tell me the name of the person that was killed by second hand smoke.
April 14, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
runt (anonymous) says...
You will never find a death certificate that says cause of death is from 2nd hand smoke.
April 14, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so !
Now the CAE and its army can get to the business of planning how to get an outdoor smoking ban passed, per their strategy handbook ! That is if they haven't planned on how to accomplish an outdoor smoking ban, already !
As you can see they are already complaining about the butts that smokers are leaving on the sidewalks, etc.! And do you know what is funny !
The fact that before the smoking ban, no-one, absolutely no-one complained about the cigarette butts left on the sidewalks, etc. !
This grab for power and control by certain individuals and group of individuals is not over by any stretch of the imagination!
The Gods of the Holy Know It All, Emporia Hierarchy have inflated their egos and pounded their chests and proclaimed that we are all Powerful and you will all bow to our wants, needs and authoritarian and totalitarian Rule ! WE HAVE SPOKEN !
April 14, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
If you would like to read something interesting and informative, go to the following website,
C:\Documents and Settings\Guest\My Documents\The 14 Defining Characteristics Of Fascism.mht
The 14 Defining
Characteristics Of Fascism
April 14, 2009 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lena (Lena Bass) says...
I have already heard that Flying J is having problems with the truckers who do business there are going on to Beto where they can smoke, so the waitress's tips are down, and I have heard from other people that their customer's are dropping, and I am not sure that is what Emporia needs, but time will tell.
April 14, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sorry, here is the website for The 14 Defining
Characteristics of Facism,
http://www.rense.com/general37/fascis...
April 14, 2009 at 6:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
lena - Isn't Flying J outside the city limits? I am truly not sure. Someone told me it was, but I haven't seen anything on where the city limits are.
April 14, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
PIngeon'
Flying j is in city limits, their management didn't seem too concerned about this when I talked to them about it months ago.
S
April 14, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
Steve - That's too bad they weren't concerned. I guess if what lena said is true about business being down, then they can't say much if they didn't fight the ban. It's nothing for a trucker to go a few more miles down the road before stopping for gas and food. If they smoke, they will go where they can relax and have a smoke at the same time.
April 14, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
smoking
April 14, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
the smoking ban will put the cafe's out of business, people that go to places like s&s or flying j ,drink coffee an smoke
somtimes it's nice to get out of the house with out having to spend a lot of $ have a cup of coffee an smoke a cigarette
an ponder how your gona pay your bills.people that don't smoke don't go to those kind of places anyways
April 14, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
I left emporia 10 years ago an I can't believe how uptight it has become,the smoking ban,moving the pool where no one can walk to it ,always trying to sell the fairgrounds, and look at that huge jail/courthouse center ,it takes up 2or3 city blocks.the city leaders are ruining what once was a nice laid back town.I feel for the working class people of Emporia
April 14, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chuck (anonymous) says...
To Tell. No, the question hasn't been asked before but there are thousands. I knew one all too well. She was my daughter who was exposed to smoke in restaurants where she worked. Now you know and now you know why I am so passionate about this. If it was your daughter you would feel the same. And no, I do not want to put her name or mine here as she felt her illness was a private matter and I will keep it that way. I still cry everyday and probably always will and I hope none of you ever lose a child. Also, I don't litter--even with gum wrappers.
April 14, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pencilguy (anonymous) says...
methusla please read before you open your mouth it was one of you No people that said they would throw all the butts they could into the streets. honestly talk about sore losers
April 14, 2009 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
drvrbowz--
I'm sure that the $1 worth of coffee that you now refuse to enjoy at S&S or wherever will not hurt the business.
As far as the truckers go, they are going to need to get used to it. Beto will soon be smoke free as well, once the state ban passes.
Furthermore, this weekend I saw a life-long smoker and a regular of a local bar continue to claim their seat at this particular tavern, regardless of the ban. He would get up and walk outside to smoke, not bothered at all by the new policy. If someone like that can accept the change, we all should be able to.
I hope Mike Helbert found the recount to be a $120 well spent...as far as I'm concerned, it was more money wasted on bickering over this issue.
April 14, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
You must admit the pool location has to be one of the worst locations possible.
April 14, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
Your right Gemini we all do have to get used to it, a bunch of uptight morons shoving their self centered ideas down others throats by a majority of 8. It wasn't your 120 so don't worry about it , its funny that there was a different number though .
April 14, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vox28 (anonymous) says...
I can't believe all the fuss over secondhand smoke...It's not about rights to smoke; it's about weak minded people and their addiction to nicotine. Like saying alcoholism is a disease...it's weakness people and it can be kicked. Don't be lazy and do it.
Next idiotic "rights" issue we need to address is the gun issues in redneck states. We need to cut back on all the firearms people think they have the right to carry. Guns can kill people, but only when a person has easy access and stupidly thinks it protects them from some sort of government infringement upon their rights. We need to get gun control on the ballot next!
April 14, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
We do still have choices.
We can choose which lumber yard we want to support.
We can choose which radio station to listen to.
We can choose which county commissioner to vote for.
We can choose to throw loud gloating dorks out of our businesses.
April 14, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justamarine (anonymous) says...
Guns don't kill people,people kill people, whether it is by gun,knife,poison,car,bat,golf club,fists,or a rope. People need to stand accountable for their own actions. It is not the guns fault, just the operators fault. The last thing we need is more government taking away our rights.
Rob
April 14, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
vox28 - I wondered how long it would take for the gun control issue to come up. Surprisingly, I didn't see anything about it until the vote was over with. I shudder at the thought of that issue coming up for a vote.
You can control all the guns you want, but it's only the law abiding citizens that it will affect.....
April 14, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HeatherBliss (anonymous) says...
I still don't get it.
What article are you reading where you have "a right to smoke"? It's a privelige. Most of everything you have and do is not a right... Did anyone in Emporia actually finish school?
Or wait, maybe everyone is still in highschool. The way you are all acting.
I'm ashamed to say I was born and raised there. It's really not a big deal that you can't smoke in resturants and bars.
This is just like back in 2004 when they banned water bottles from the highschool. You are all brats. Get back to your 9 to 5 and quit with the crap. After a few weeks businesses will be back to normal income. Like most of you really even care.
April 14, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zeus (anonymous) says...
its over DROP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 14, 2009 at 9:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
generalsn (anonymous) says...
Here in Chicago, now that the fanfare and novelty have worn off, the ban is fading into forgotten history in many small neighborhood bars. The only complaints are from neighbors of the bars that comply.
April 14, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lena (Lena Bass) says...
it is about the money that will be lost and yes, I finished high school, went to college, and I wasn't born here, I have been here 16 years to long, I am have been thinking for the last few years. I am wondering now about the mill levy incease, that will add to the taxes I pay on my house. always something, and being on a fixed income, does not help matters. It also states on the form, Using the comment feature to make random attacks on people is not acceptable, I wish others would follow it.
April 14, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
OK back to the ice cream social!
April 14, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
livinglife (anonymous) says...
The election was held..The recount was done..In the end it's still the same verdict! There is now a Smoking Ban in Emporia KS. Right or Wrong..If you were for it or against it the outcome is what it is and we all have to accept it..Its like a game someone wins..someone loses..But in the end lets all shake hands and be friends..Life is to short not to..Now about that ice cream social..My favorite is chocolate chip..
April 14, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
someone wrote "the truckers" and another said "9-5" and what if some people didn't finish high school .now there is a "THEM" .it's obvious some people have a superior view of themselves. If you had a great education , why would you want to use it to put others down ,If a person has college under they're belt does that make them better than "THE TRUCKERS"
April 15, 2009 at 12:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
Did Poland and Germany have an ice cream social? If so I wonder who chose the flavor
April 15, 2009 at 12:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
To the people that push agendas like the smoking ban .you are ashamed to be from a small kansas town, but you don't have the ambition to go new york, california or where ever you think things will be your way ,besides if your in kansas you get to feel like your special ,talkin bout what you could've done had emporia not held you back you can imagine how great you could've been BECAUSE YOU"LL NEVER GO DO IT, and you get off thinking you can call other people weak . drink all the wheat beer and esspresso you want, your still from emporia just like the rest of us
April 15, 2009 at 12:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
and for the record I'm proud to be from kansas.and I don't even smoke I thought Americans are suposed to tolerate and defend others rites even if you don't agree with it .why could't you just go to a non smoking restaraunt or bar,Oh and Kansas will NEVER get a ban on guns if you think otherwiswe then you don't know your neihborsvery well
April 15, 2009 at 12:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
Wasn't hitler an artist before a crazy dictator ?guess it must be a short leap
April 15, 2009 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drvrbowz (anonymous) says...
a lot of folks have died at sodens grove over the years, you gona close that down also,and didn't a kid get killed at the fair
in 1985 or 86? we should get rid of that to, put that in your pipe an smoke it...get it...smoke it ... pipe...n nevermind
April 15, 2009 at 1:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
headed to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
April 15, 2009 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )