City commission votes to postpone smoking ban
Ban will go to vote before it takes effect
By Russ Morgan
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Emporia City Commission voted to postpone the start date of the smoking ban ordinance until after the April 7 elections at its regular meeting Wednesday night.
In a 3-2 vote, commissioners moved the effective start date of the ban from March 3 until April 8, provided the ban doesn’t get voted down in the ballot measure.
Commissioners Kevin Nelson and Jeff Longbine and Mayor Bobbie Agler voted for the postponement; Commissioners Julie Johnson and Jim Kessler voted in favor of going ahead with the ban in March.
The ban ordinance originally was proposed last summer by Clean Air Emporia, and was discussed for several months before going before city commissioners to be voted on.
The city commission passed the ban ordinance in December, to take effect after 90 days.
Opponents to the ban, a group of citizens and business owners known as Emporians Open for Business, subsequently collected enough signatures to put the ban question on the ballot for the April elections. The group then requested that the commission postpone the ban until after the public has a chance to vote.
Before the vote on the postponement took place, the commissioners explained their points of view.
“I’m in favor of delaying the implementation,” Commissioner Longbine said. “I think it is prudent to allow the voters to decide on this issue. ... I think it’s a reasonable request.”
“Back when we had discussions in 08 we talked about how, as a commission, we thought that it would be best if it was decided by the voters,” Commissioner Nelson said. “If they came up with enough signatures we would entertain that, and I think it’s only fair to postpone the implementation until we have that public vote. ...”
“I’ll vote against the measure,” Commissioner Kessler said. “... In December, we voted as a commission to pass this particular ordinance 3-2, and after much discussion ... we decided (to put it into effect) in 90 days. ... I think once we make a decision as a commission, we should stick with that decision. ...” Kessler also said he felt a one month trial period would be a good idea for the ordinance.
Commissioner Johnson said she has heard from a number of people in the community who support the ban and who have been looking forward to the March 3 start date. “I think we made a decision, and we based that decision on the information that we had and what we thought was good for the community,” Johnson said. “I want to go forward with that.”
Mayor Agler said that while he was in favor of the ban, he also felt the democratic process should be allowed to run its course.
“I voted in favor of (the ban) because I felt it was the appropriate approach to take, I thought it was sound, and I still feel that way,” Agler said. “However, at the same time, I believe strongly in the democratic process, and it is on the ballot, and I hope there will be a large turnout. ...”
Agler said he voted in favor of the postponement because he felt the voting process might be damaged by the perception that the commission was trying to force the ban on an unwilling public.
Steve Corbin, owner of Town Royal, 405 Commercial St. and a vocal opponent of the ban, said he was surprised by the vote.
“I kind of thought maybe Mayor Agler might lean our way because he was one of the commissioners that said he’d like to see this come to a vote,” Corbin said. “I’m pleasantly surprised, and now we’re going to have to get out there and campaign. ...”
Teresa Walters, a representative of Clean Air Emporia, said she was disappointed by the vote.
“I was hopeful that they would realize that going ahead with the previously-determined enactment date would provide those citizens who had expressed an interest in having an ordinance an opportunity to experience it,” Walters said. “... I’ve had many people tell me they were looking forward to March 3 and the opportunity to go out and socialize without being exposed to that. ... “
generalsn (anonymous) says...
After over a year of experience here in Chicago, trying to ban smoking in small neighborhood "shot and beer" bars is pretty useless. Many small bars in my area ignore the ban to keep their customers, neighbors, and local police satisfied. The problems of undesirables being attracted by groups of people outside the bars far outweighs the issue of people peacefully smoking inside a bar, bothering absolutly no one.
February 18, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
generalsn (anonymous) says...
Voting on the ban is ABSOLUTY FORBIDDEN on page eight of the ban lobbyist guidebook. See for yourself.
www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Fundamentals...
February 18, 2009 at 11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
As on the other thread I want to thank Mayor Agler for his vote to postpone the start date on this and let the voters decide. That is truly an example of democracy in action. He has been put in the hot-seat before and this time he came through for the voters, even though I believe he thought the ban was best for Emporia.
On the trial period, we have had that for the last 15+ years and it has worked o.k. so far. When you walk up to a business and it says smoking allowed, if you find SHS offensive , don't go in. Everyones rights are preserved.
Steve
February 19, 2009 at 12:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
I also want to Mayor Agler for doing the right thing and allowing the democratic process to unfold.
It took alot of guts to stand up for the democratic process even though you orginally voted for the ban.
I am glad that he opened it up to public comment even though two of us were present I think it helped a little bit.
Its like a diamond you keep chipping a way at until it is beautiful well that is what we are doing we are chipping a little at a time to keep our civil liberties beautiful.
February 19, 2009 at 2:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Are Kessler and Johnson running for reelection? Sounds like they got taken in by the paid lobbying crowd.
February 19, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
was shocked when the mayor opened the floor to public comments and I knew I had a golden opportunity. Granted I could not say what I really wanted to say but I got my shot across the bow.
I basically asked with the financial crisis we are in is this the best time to implement the ban. In other words most people have not had the money to buys signs, rehab their biz. Not to mention the countless man/woman hours the police are going to put in policing the smokers.
One question for rbow the city manger mentioned educating the masses and for the first month a warning and education,
Who the hell are they going to educate? Who is going to do the education?
I can see it now Officer Joe respond to a smoker smoking call and he says I am sorry sir/ma'am but you have to put out your ciggarette/cigar. Here is a warning citation and here is a phamplet detailing the harm of smoking and SHS.
U gotta be kidding me right. This town is going to be the laughingstock of KS if this passed. Having the police, fire and god knows who else responding to a smoker violating the law call.
This was also posted on the other forum.
Yes Driveon I belive they are running again.
February 19, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
rbow, jmcmannis- I am sorry that I was unable to attend the meeting to support you, but I had a family problem I had to take care of. However here is a copy of what I was going to say at the meeting.
Honorable Commissioners
I am respectfully asking you, as a City Commissioners and elected Representatives of all the citizens of Emporia, to consider voting for postponing the implementation of the proposed smoking ban ordinance until after the public vote scheduled for April.
I respectfully ask you as Commissioners to do this, so the Emporia citizens who are registered voters may have a chance to vote on whether or not they wish to have the smoking ban that is proposed by the CAE to become a city ordinance or law.
I believe that postponing of the proposed smoking ban until after a public vote is and will be the only fair and impartial way for you as City Commissioners to know what the will of the people of Emporia really is. After all, is that not what you as an elected City Commissioner are supposed to consider in all matters pertaining to the City of Emporia, what the will of the people, all the people of Emporia is, and is that not what you are getting paid for and not to consider just the will of just a few of the people, who just happen to be powerful and influential citizens of Emporia!
If you postpone this smoking ban until after a vote of the people, you will be able to either implement the proposed smoking ban and make it a City ordinance and law or you may throw it out with a clear conscience, as being the will of the people of Emporia.
February 19, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
P.S. This is also similar to the emails that I sent to the City Commissioners.
February 19, 2009 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
driveonby:
You are correct that Kessler & Johnson are running for re-election. The problem is no-one is running against them. One filed but then withdrew , but his name is still on the ballot and he as well as commissioner Nelson will get my vote . The other two can go back to ----------------!
Steve
February 19, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettyblues (anonymous) says...
I have a question..if we live outside of Emporia but are lyon county voters can we still vote on the smoking ballot? I know I signed the petition but I didn't know if my signature was accepted because I don't live in Emporia. I feel like we should be able to I spend my money at all the restaurants and bars in town? Can someone please answer my question? Thanks
February 19, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Wichita has overturned major parts of its smoking ban. Businesses were closing. Hutchinson City Council refused to accommodate the paid lobbying crowd, and stayed firm with the standing ordinance, banning smoking in just restuarants.
Salina voters are putting together their petition, as their City Council voted 3-2 for more bans. The used car salesman, on their City Council, after sticking small business people by voting for the ban, decided to not run again. Wonder how the car lot is doing? As long as the Health Department people are allowed to take grant money from the pharmaceutical company that distributes Nicorette, Nicoderm, and Chantix, this will never end. These people live for grants and will agree to throw their mother under a bus to get it!!!!!
February 19, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
prettyblues;
Sorry, only city residents can vote. It's a city election. Your signature on the petition was not counted if you live in the county, trust me they were all double checked. There are many county residents who feel as you and you may get your chance as Teresa Walters is now a county commissioner and it's only a matter of time before she tries to get the county to pass a ban
Steve
February 19, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I love this part! This is when crack gets offended when someone insults him even though he insults people all the time.
At a time when the economy is in the tank all some people care about is hanging out in a bar without smoke. They don't care if it has a bad effect on the economy, they only care about their own selfish desires.
February 19, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
February 19, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
crack- It is not like your scenerio about us shopping in Topeka. We shouldn't be able to vote there because we do not live Shawnee Co. for which Topeka is the Co. Seat. We do however pay our taxes in the City that holds our County Seat. Emporia. Big diff. there. If I lived in Coffee Co. and had to pay my taxes to them I would want to be able to vote on things in the City of Burlington. I live in Lyon County though, so I shouldn't be able to vote on things in Burlington. I should be able to vote on Emporia items being how its in Lyon County. I know you are going bring up all the other small towns in Lyon Co. and how they come into play. They are not our County Seat.
February 19, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
Uhhhummmm....crack Is this an issue of "I can dish it out but I can't take it" or is this an issue of "the truth in my opinion" ??
February 19, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The simple TRUTH of the matter is, that after several decades of the local, Emporia government being pretty much run and controlled by certain affluent, influential individuals and families who have and do considered themselves the only " people" of Emporia have just had their little power based world shaken, somewhat and it is a hard pill for them to swallow. The pill, being the fact that the other " PEOPLE", the so-called little and insignificant people of Emporia have, after many decades of the same old status quo local way of running things, and ramming things down all the people of Emporias throats, the other "PEOPLE" have banded together and shown their strenght and decided that it is time for our local elected officials to run the local government the way it should be run and that they indeed should listen to and heed the voice of all the people of Emporia and not just the people of the Emporia power base. Any level of Government should and needs to realize that the PEOPLE, ALL OF THE PEOPLE are the true power of the Government, not just a few a few of the people and this is what makes the CAE, its affluent and influential members and its supporters angry.
Now, we " the other PEOPLE of Emporia need to stay banded together as one powerful voice at the polls on April 7th and throw out this unnecessarily harsh and liberty, freedom, civil liberties and rights destroying ban !
February 19, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
A BIG thanks to Agler for his honesty and vote. He even admitted he was previously a smoker. Good to know he changed his mind after having time to think about it and vote to delay the ban. And another BIG thanks goes out to josies/matt & Steve and EOB and everyone involved for all their hard work.
February 19, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wyse_guy (anonymous) says...
Hands Cracky a tissue for his/her issues. Sorry Crack you dont always get what you want! would you care for a waaa- burger and cries to go with that whine?
February 19, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and crack, if you were offended by my Simple truth post.
Too bad it is the Simple truth of the matter.
February 19, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
All I have to say is when you can call 911 on someone for lighting up a cig than yeah folks will laugh.
Meth I liked the post about what you would have said, very straight to the point.
rbow did I not predict how crack would react last night. As in the movie The Kid starring Bruce Willis "Somebody call the WAAAAA-bulance I think crack needs attention.
Heres to the ordinary citizen tired of the goverment of the few rich people shoving their beilve systems down our throat.
Dont Tread On Me
February 19, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
here is an interesting quote;
"Every step we take towards making the State our Caretaker of our lives, by that much we move toward making the State our Master."
- Dwight Eisenhower
February 19, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Crack keep telling your self that, you should have seen T. Walters and co pucker up and squirm when Mayor Agler vote in favor suspending the ban until Apr 8.
It was funny to see, hey they had an opportunity to spew forth their rebuttal but they chose to keep their butts firmly planted in their chairs.
Maybe they were shell shocked that someone other than rbow got up and spoke.
I love shock and awe campaigns they can be quite effective.
hey rbow I had a pleasure visiting your bar last night and did not really notice the smoke in the place.
I also am feeling no ill effects other than a mild hangover from visiting your place and Club O.
Down with the tyranny and down with the Smoking Ban
Vote Apr 7th to tell the goverment and the T. Walters of the world to stay the hell out of our lives. Say no to the Smoking Ban on Apr 7th
Dont Tread On Me
February 19, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
nice qoute rbow, that is so true
February 19, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Why we are feeling giddy at our "reprive" last night, you guys don't get too carried away with the gloating. It is going to take a lot of work, (not to mention money), to carry this through to the election. We are all happy for the chance to vote on this, now we need to get out the voters who feel as we do, and let them know we can overturn this ban. It is easier to catch some bees with honey as bait then it is with vinegar. Unless they are ole cracky.
Steve
February 19, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
rbow I apologize for gloating, I accepted my chastisement with humility.
also I spoke to the on duty manger at Club O and gave them your message about seeking donations to help with this campaing and he mentioned he would talk to the gm about getting something going for you.
if there is anything you need to me to do put up posters about the vote, providing transport speaking publicy etc. You know where to find me or I am sure meth can share how to reach me by land line lol.
I saw a new up date to this article saying it will take several weeks at the house level for the state ban to be approved or disapproved.
finally it is so easy to pick on crack he/she opens themselves up to it, but I will try ease off a bit.
Dont Tread On Me
February 19, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The fight to overthrow this 1st step toward tyranny, such as this smoking ban is just beginning. Just because no-one from the CAE or any smoking ban supporters said anything at the Commission meeting doesn't mean they have given up by any means. What with all the grant money they recieve and resources of some of the members and backers of the CAE, they will have much more resources to draw from, than we the opponents will have. A campaign blitz to gather votes to support a smoking ban by the CAE and its army will begin in earnest now and we the opponents of this ban will have to gird ourselves for battle and inform those people who want to preserve their libertys, freedom to live their lives without interference from others, value their civil liberties and certain personal rights, with information, facts and truths, so they can and will get out en-mass and vote to kill this attack on our dignity, the right to choose what and how we live our lives, by way of this smoking ban and do not want to allow tryants to dictate how we should live our lives, destroy our liberty, freedom, civil liberties and certain personal rights, that were given to us by the founders of this nation and guaranteed to us, in the form of 2 of the greatest documents in history, possibly the world.
February 19, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
crackinsack posted, "I don't insult people. It's not my fault if they are offended by the truth."
That's just it, crackinsack, you haven't posted the truth. All you have been doing is regurgitating unsubstantiated propaganda. You have been asked many times by several different posters to provide proof that the air in smoking establishments is below current OSHA or Federal health standards. Have you done so? Has anyone done so?
You have been asked several times to convince a local medical doctor to register on this website and post that he/she is treating one single patient who is suffering health problems directly related to exposure to 2nd hand smoke. Have you done so? Has anyone done so?
Truth, indeed.
February 19, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Wow! I get into a dodgeball match with life for a couple of days and a lot happens. Good job EOB on a race well run so far and thank you Mayor Agler, Commissioner Longbine and Commissioner Nelson for respecting our Constitutional system. No matter the outcome, these three can walk away with clean hands. We have a large population of former/retired military and military family in this town as well as a Constitution abiding Christian set, and I am confident that the majority in this town understand the fairness of the existing law and the unfairness of the demoted ban.
What did you guys have to go and get yourselves a "new" antagonist for? ; ) Man, am I glad Matt wasn't here for that--disgraceful!! No matter--Steve as soon as I get everything lined out I will contact you to see what I can do. In the meantime, feel free to call me (if you don't have my number, it's in the book or you know who to ask) if you have an assignment to see if I can take on.
February 19, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
February 20, 2009 at 5:38 a.m. ( permalink )
1sgt_retired (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
February 19, 2009 at 8:01 p.m. ( permalink )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Well, we are getting an extra month to fight this ban and the free market is working.
It's time for Emporia businesses to step up and make a donation to help pay for advertising. Some have stepped up already, I'm waiting for the rest now. We are publicly making a promise to not use any non-factual items in our advertising, can the EDA &CAE do the same?
Steve
February 20, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And for those of you that missed it, Matt, (aka) "Josies" is on his way overseas with a contingent from the Emporia area to train with the Saudi's in the desert. But those servicemembers will be back in time to vote on this.
Steve
February 20, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
“I think we made a decision, and we based that decision on the information that we had and what we thought was good for the community,” Johnson said. “I want to go forward with that.”
I, information WE had, I want. You are supposed to represent the wishes of the community as a whole Ms Johnson, not what YOU and two other members of the commission desire. You response sounds rather childish, like a child that isn't getting her way.
“I was hopeful that they would realize that going ahead with the previously-determined enactment date would provide those citizens who had expressed an interest in having an ordinance an opportunity to experience it,” Walters said. “... I’ve had many people tell me they were looking forward to March 3 and the opportunity to go out and socialize without being exposed to that. ... “
Your first sentence tends to make me to believe you recognize that your ban is possibly going away Commissioner Walters, or whatever other title you are throwing around today. I thought this was all about a health issue? Your last statement should show everyone what your true motives are all about, social shaping and nothing more.
February 20, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
neighbor;
I was waiting to see if anyone caught Ms. Walters statement and what it meant. She didn't mention the Health of workers once, did she?
Thanks for bringing it up.
Steve
February 20, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
neighbor- You were and are right on target about T. Walters and the rest of the CAE power base ! I and others have said from the outset of this rediculous ban, that it had nothing to do with health, but was about what Emporias, self appointed, affluent, power brokers wanted !
Good call neighbor.
In fact there is one paragraph in the CAE handbook that actually states that one of there ultimate goals is " to create a social norm " . In other words this is an attempt to re-shape society to their standards and their standards only. With no tolerance for anything else.
Does this type of tyrannical, social re-shaping and social reform sound familier.
February 20, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
P.S. Sorry about the misuse of the word " social ". I meant to use the word "societal" instead of "social", my mistake.
February 20, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Let me try this again, Sorry.
Neighbor-neighbor- You were and are right on target about T. Walters and the rest of the CAE power base ! I and others have said from the outset of this rediculous ban, that it had nothing to do with health, but was about what Emporias, self appointed, affluent, power brokers wanted !
Good call neighbor.
In fact there is one paragraph in the CAE handbook that actually states that one of there ultimate goals is " to create a social norm " . In other words this is an attempt to re-shape society to their standards and their standards only. With no tolerance for anything else.
Does this type of tyrannical, societal re-shaping and societal reform sound familier.
February 20, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I would also like to add to my above promise on this campaign that we have not used any "BIG TOBACCO" money, or even solicited any from any cigarette company.
The same applies to tax dollars or foundation grants.
We are using all local funds donated by individuals and local businesses.
Steve Corbin
EMPORIA, OPEN FOR BUSINESS
February 20, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
So...you get your money from "individuals and local businesses" who smoke (or profit from smokers) and then they go out and buy cigarettes and that money goes to the BIG TOBACCO companies. Essentially, supporters of BIG TOBACCO are bribing you to campaign for BIG TOBACCO use. I don't see how that's any better.
‘enry
February 20, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The members of EMPORIA, OPEN FOR BUSINESS, feel this a business & personal rights issue. This ban is not a health issue. Therefore, unlike EDA and CAE we have not and will not use taxpayer,(or tax exempt), money to push a personal agenda.
Steve Corbin
February 20, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
can EDA or CAE say the same?
Steve
February 20, 2009 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
The ban will benefit the public, so public dollars can be used. Fighting the ban is somewhat selfish in that the lack of the ban only benefits smokers and businesses that make money off of them. This is why only private funds should be used to fight it.
Public interests = Public money
Private interests = Private money
'enry
February 20, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenreyVIII- You chose an excellent forum name, because the real Henry VIII was also considered by most to be a tyrant, just like the CAE, its members and supporters and the real Henry VIII was also considered to be quite mad, by some.
February 20, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Private money, for and from private citizens, for Privately owned businesses, to protect private property rights.
Public money should only be used for publicly owned buildings used for public businesses. Those public buildings were already smoke free.
There has already been one revolution from crown rule in this country enry. How ironic that you would choose such a name while trying to be a spokesman for a socialistic endeavor.
February 20, 2009 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Nah, I'm just a huge fan of Herman's Hermits. You lot read into things too much, me thinks.
'enry
February 20, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Not only that, but there are those of us who aren't smokers or drinkers who are in this battle out of concern for our local business owners. Henry, I will not be buying cigarettes or any other tobacco product and have no affiliation (not even social) with any of the affected businesses. And yet, here I am--volunteered to petition citizens. Be careful of what you assume.
February 20, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I find it ironic that after using tax dollars and tax exempt dollars to push this ban into place, (because they could), Steve Sauder is now sending out fund-raising letters to ask for private donations to keep pushing for this ban. Now they can't use those same tax dollars in an election so they have to pony-up just like we have all along. And just like their prior tactics the fund raising letter is filled with mis-statements and non-fact.
Steve Corbin
Emporia, Open For Business
February 20, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
Steve - That letter on the net somewhere? I'd love to read it.
Pin
February 20, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII posted, "So...you get your money from "individuals and local businesses" who smoke (or profit from smokers) and then they go out and buy cigarettes and that money goes to the BIG TOBACCO companies. Essentially, supporters of BIG TOBACCO are bribing you to campaign for BIG TOBACCO use. I don't see how that's any better."
You'd probably be surprised at the number of non-smokers who oppose this ridiculous and unnecessary ban.
February 20, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I am a non-smoker and I oppose this ban.
February 20, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I will pledge $10 to the cause and challange all other opponents of the smoking ban to do like wise.
Steve I will bring the $10 by you place of business tomorrow.
What time should I come by.
February 20, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1sgt_retired (anonymous) says...
Want to talk about misinformation, how about this:
"Second Hand Smoke may be an annoyance to some but i(t)isn't a health issue."
Have you ever heard of anything farther from the truth?
Or this:
"The members of EMPORIA, OPEN FOR BUSINESS, feel this a business & personal rights issue. This ban is not a health issue. Therefore, unlike EDA and CAE we have not and will not use taxpayer,(or tax exempt), money to push a personal agenda."
Of course not, because tax dollars are not available to EOB.
And when did a public health issue become a personal agenda. Show me somewhere, anywhere, where the pro-ban people -- CAE member or not -- gain anything other than an improved quality of life WHEN this ban is approved.
February 20, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1sgt_retired (anonymous) says...
Who is feeding you this crap? Your favorite bartender?
Go check out any of a number of reputable medical sites (keyword being reputable). See if they confirm your bull.
February 20, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Posted by mrwho "Better yet, for YOUR health, only go into establishments that don't allow smoking."
This is such a simple, common sense solution to the problem. Why do the pro-ban people ignore it? If you don't it like avoid it. It is very easy to do. I have been doing it successfully for 13yrs.
One argument I have heard against this is that I must be a hermit that doesn't get out much. That is untrue. I get out plenty and it is not hard at all to avoid shs. Another argument is that they don't want smokers to control their lives. Most places are already smoke free so this argument doesn't mean much. If you do feel like your life is being controlled some how and you don't like it, don't try to control the smokers lives. It's that whole do unto others as you would have done unto you thing. Why not go to the smoke free bar and restaurants only? If they are a lot busier than the smoking ones that would show that there is a bigger demand for smoke free bars and restaurants and business owners would react to the changing market in the natural way the FREE market is supposed it work. I have a feeling however that this is really about people feeling superior to the smokers and wanting to push them around and that is why we hear such things as "I'm not going to let smokers control MY life." as if they were inferior.
February 21, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
"Show me somewhere, anywhere, where the pro-ban people -- CAE member or not -- gain anything other than an improved quality of life WHEN this ban is approved."
How about becoming a Co. Commissioner?
February 22, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
moving to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
February 22, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )