Posted on 09/27/2002 7:14:07 AM PDT by SheLion
A fuse lit by aldermen to obliterate smoking in public could itself be snuffed out by city council members reluctant to take the dramatic step.
In a Sun survey of 13 of 15 council members, only six were committed to, or leaning towards supporting a total ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, bingo halls and other public places, effective Jan. 1, 2003 when it comes to a council vote Monday.
Those vowing to scrap recommendations approved at a Wednesday committee meeting or leaning towards that position numbered seven, not counting Mayor David Bronconnier, who has voiced opposition to going so far, so fast.
"It would hurt charities, it would hurt business," said Ald. Ric McIver, one of two who voted unsuccessfully against the measure Wednesday.
He said moving the date for a total ban from a proposed 2008 to three months from now violated the spirit of a stakeholders' committee that crafted compromise approaches to the issue.
McIver voiced displeasure over how Wednesday's 4-2 vote transpired, when some committee members under the impression the vote would be held Friday left early.
"I think maybe a fast one was pulled -- these (pro-bylaw) people used the opportunity to push something through," he said. "It's certainly not in the spirit of democracy."
But others said it's up to committee members to be present at meetings which can take unexpected turns.
"I don't think we pulled a fast one -- we followed procedure," said Ald. Diane Danielson.
Said a shrugging committee member Ald. Gord Lowe, who learned of the vote the following morning: "It's just politics."
Lowe also predicted the smoking proposal would go down to defeat Monday.
"The business of government is to regulate business, but not to that extent," he said.
"Are we going to ban peanuts, because those are instant killers."
But other aldermen argued it was pointless to wait another five years when Calgarians' health could be protected sooner through a bylaw that puts all businesses on an even footing.
"We've been vaccillating with this for so long ... it's an obligation, our duty to safeguard health," said Ald. Bob Hawkesworth.
"Nobody has to incur any expenses and everybody's treated the same."
Ald. Madeleine King said anti-smoking arguments were too compelling to ignore.
And, Ald. Druh Farrell said if the recommendation is scuttled Monday, the issue will continue to haunt council indefinitely.
WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS
Where city council members stand on Monday's vote on bringing in a total public smoking ban for Jan. 1, 2003:
* Yes: Aldermen Joe Ceci, Diane Danielson, Druh Farrell, Bob Hawkesworth, Linda Fox-Mellway.
* Leaning to yes: Ald. Madeleine King.
* No: Craig Burrows, Barry Erskine, Diane Colley-Urquhart, Ric McIver, Ray Jones, Gord Lowe.
* Leaning to no: Dale Hodges.
* Previously opposed: Mayor Dave Bronconnier
Previous story: Pub owner hopes proposed smoking ban blows over
"...compromise approaches..." Does this sound anything like what I said about NYC. They begin by calling for a total ban and then allow for a "compromise" of a partial ban.
This would be like my telling you that you're going to give me all of your money. Instead of whacking me you compromise by giving me some of your money. Makes no sense.
A diversion? Could be. Or it could be both. Few people have the time or the inclination to keep track of all the cards in the deck. Canada, the U.S. or elsewhere, the game is always rigged.
Exactly! They do ALL behind closed doors, and by the time the public finds out about it, it's too late. Nothing is open and above board anymore.
ALREADY??!! I just got that and sent it right off to you. Wow, that's weird.
List? What kind of list??
Oh Canaduh. So the USA has it bassAckwards. GollyGeeeee
Isn't that stupid? NOW he gets it. DUH!
This is their mode of operendi, the enviros..the animal rights wacos...the No meat gang...the fat bragade...
After the compromise all hell breaks loose.
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