Tobacco.org

• LETTER: Don’t forget Lorillard’s impact on Greensboro 

Foremost, my fundamental perception is tobacco companies have the constitutional right to produce legal products for sale.

For 37 years, I have operated a business on East Market Street seven blocks from Lorillard Tobacco Co.’s manufacturing facility. An appreciable number of our customers and friends are Lorillard employees. Prior to Lorillard becoming operational in 1955-56 and beginning to employ people, the East Market Street quadrant was a blighted area. Lorillard helped the area most significantly pursuant to employment.

I am exceedingly knowledgeable of the continuous discussions associated with health and smoking. My immediate concerns coincide with jobs and Lorillard’s published statements: “We continue to support our good jobs and support worthy community causes.” Moreover, Steven C. Watson, then vice president for external affairs of Lorillard Tobacco Co., stated in a Jan. 23, 2001, letter: “Our corporate policy is kids should not smoke.”

Finally, an overwhelming number of people were unrelentingly exuberant when billboards marketing cigarettes had to be taken down on April 24, 1999, pursuant to the 1998 tobacco settlement. Earl Gill Greensboro

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