Jump to full article: Corbin (KY) Times-Tribune , 2009-04-24
Author: Jim Waters
Intro: For example, the state's Chief Smoking Nanny, Ellen Hahn, who directs the University of Kentucky Center for Smoke Free Policy, recently issued her call for a statewide ban while in Bowling Green to speak to the Rotary Club.
"I think it would be really wonderful if the state would pass it," Hahn told Dan Modlin, news director for Western Kentucky University's public radio affiliate, who covered the speech. "However, let me just say -- it has got to be totally comprehensive, meaning that all work places would be covered."
Then to my amazement, she added: "It has to have anti-pre-emptive language, meaning that local governments could do more if they wanted to."
Look out. The nannies think those governments not satisfied with simply trampling on the private-property rights of business owners should be able to tell you what you can - or cannot - do in your personal living space.
Perhaps they could force apartment-building owners to ban smoking in their units, or send armed troops to arrest parents who smoke at home around children.
Not only that, Hahn wants to spend "millions" on a statewide ban. Making a comment like that during an economic downturn makes me wonder what she's been smoking.
By pushing for a statewide ban while in Bowling Green, Hahn thumbed her nose at the city commission, which voted 3-2 against a comprehensive smoking ban in August 2007.
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