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• Smoking ban set to move forward 

Salina city commissioners Monday discussed, but let pass, the opportunity to repeal or delay a comprehensive citywide ban on smoking in public places scheduled to take effect Saturday.

They took no action after commissioner Aaron Peck chastised the leading advocate for repeal for insinuating that voters would be too stupid to figure out their ballots if opponents petitioned for a public vote.

"Let's face it, some voters are more or less likely to be confused, and or less sophisticated than others at the ballot," Gary Swartzendruber, of Salina, told commissioners.

"I am asking for one of you to initiate the motion to repeal the ban. And I'm asking that at least three of you vote for a repeal," he said. . . .

A group of Salinans against the stricter smoking ban already have collected signatures on a petition calling for a public vote on its repeal.

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