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Posted on 11/06/2001 5:42:39 AM PST by Just another Joe

The city council voted Tuesday night to rescind its policy banning the hiring of people who smoke.

The policy, enacted in June, drew national attention to this suburban community of 21,000. Although some applauded the measure, many criticized it as discriminatory.

The policy was drafted by city administrators, without council input, in an effort to curb rising health insurance costs.

But after a whirlwind of publicity, the council took up the subject at its July 17 meeting. After a lengthy debate, the council voted 3-2 to retain the policy.

However, Councilman Frank Chillura - who had voted to retain it - said Tuesday night he has been haunted by second thoughts.

``I'm not wishy-washy,'' he said. ``But this really bothered me. I just feel like it's a step too far. It's a violation of one's rights. I have no problem with the city saying no smoking at work. But with smoking being legal, I don't think it's right to say you can't work for Temple Terrace.''

Chillura made a motion Tuesday night to overturn the policy. That drew criticism from council members Joe Affronti and Jo Jeter.

``I'm very disappointed in this,'' Affronti said. ``I thought it was an issue that was behind us.''

Jeter agreed, saying the council was setting a new record for changing its mind.

``Why do we keep doing things if they're just going to be undone?'' she asked.

But Chillura said he felt morally compelled to revisit the issue.

``I was real uneasy with my [previous] decision,'' he said. ``I don't want to micromanage the staff. But it's a free country, and if people want to smoke, that's up to them.''

Reporter Michael Dunn can be reached at (813) 977-2854, Ext. 28.

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