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· Smokefree Policies
· Elections/Politics
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· Minnesota
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Jump to full article: Eden Prairie (MN) News, 2002-09-18
Author: Stuart Sudak
Intro: Jerry McCoy (mayor) . . . “If health truly is the issue, why are we not spending our efforts on smoking cessation?” the non-smoker questioned. “Absolute prohibition does not work!” . . .
Jeffrey A. Thompson (mayor) . . “As a Libertarian, I am an adamant supporter of individual rights,” he said. “I feel that the proposed smoking ban is not only unnecessary it erodes individual freedom and undermines the concept of personal responsibility. I am vigorously opposed to transferring yet another decision (best made by individuals and business owners) to a small group of well-intentioned government bureaucrats.” . .
Nancy Tyra-Lukens (mayor) . . .
She supports a smoke-free ordinance. However, she is willing to compromise. . . .
Ron Case (council) . . . On the smoke-free ban, Case has said it is time for the city to take a lead on the issue. But he insists there needs to be some type of “safety net for our key bar-restaurant business.”
Harry Davis Jr. (council) . . . On the council’s quest for a smoke-free ordinance, Davis said the state should have guidelines so it’s consistent from community to community. Each restaurant and bar owner should decide on their own if they want a smoke-free facility or not. . . .
Ryan Douglas (council) . . . On public health, he said the recently proposed smoke-free ban addresses locally a concern that people throughout the country are starting to confront.
But he does have his own concerns.
John Murray (council) . . . “My fear is the next thing they’re going to do is tell me I can’t smoke in my own house,” said Murray, who smokes. “I think it’s really bad for business.”
Fred Seymour (council) . . . “Both businesses and the community have a tremendous stake in the outcome and need to be a part of the solution,” he said. “I believe an effective solution that considers the rights, health and welfare of smokers and non-smokers can be reached.”
Philip Young (council) . . . Young opposes the smoking ban for three reasons:
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