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Somerset park board reaffirms tobacco ban  

The Somerset County Park Commission Thursday reaffirmed a previous ban on the sale of tobacco products at its facilities, dashing a recent proposal to sell cigars at five golf courses it manages.

Commissioner Paul Consiglio, who introduced the resolution formalizing that position, said the commission has been a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles and the sale of tobacco products would send a mixed signal.

"For the amount of revenue it generates, it's not worth the black eye we would get by showing the people of Somerset County that mixed signal," Consiglio said.

A commission request for bids for cigars and humidors drew criticism this month from officials including Somerset County Freeholder Director Jack Ciattarelli. A March 11 addendum to the original request indicated the commission anticipated selling 2,500 cigars.

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