Clean air ordinance passes on 6-3 vote
Jump to full article: Topeka (KS) Capital-Journal, 2009-09-30
Author: Tim Hrenchir
Intro: The Topeka City Council on Tuesday evening snuffed out smokers' ability to light up in public places, with limited exceptions.
The council voted 6-3 to approve a clean air ordinance sponsored by Councilwoman Deborah Swank, who voted in favor of the measure along with Karen Hiller, Larry Wolgast, Bob Archer, Jeff Preisner and Richard Harmon.
Council members John Alcala, Sylvia Ortiz and Jack Woelfel dissented.
The outcome drew loud applause from an audience consisting mostly of smoking ban supporters, who filled the majority of the 122 public seats in council chambers.
Swank said afterward that medical studies show the council's action will clearly save lives.
. . .
After the council approved the ordinance, Bunten said he didn't feel inclined to veto it.
"The people of this community have indicated that they wanted this passed," he said.
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