Posted on 07/01/2006 5:33:12 AM PDT by SheLion
Everyone knows the traditional reasons why Maine is a great place to take a vacation - it has ocean, mountains, lakes and lobsters.
Now the state is promoting one more inducement for people to visit: No smoking is allowed in Maine's public buildings.
The state is putting up five signs at various points this week along the Maine Turnpike and Interstate 95 that advertise the fact.
"Breathe easy, you're in Maine," said the blue signs with white lettering. "All indoor public places are smoke-free."
Dr. Dora Anne Mills, who heads the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said Maine may be "the first state in the nation to promote itself as a smoke-free state."
She said the signs are designed to educate both visitors and Mainers who aren't familiar with the smoking restrictions in the state.
It was 25 years ago that Maine's first law imposing limits on smoking in public places was passed.
Subsequent legislation ap- proved over the years means that public places in Maine, ranging from government buildings to restaurants and bars, are now smoke-free.
Gov. John Baldacci will help unveil the new signs at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Maine Tourist Information Center in Yarmouth. One of the signs will stay at that location, said MaryBeth Welton, program manager for the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine.
The governor will be joined by representatives of Healthy Maine Partnerships, a state-local initiative dedicated to making the state a healthier place to live and work. Mills said the Maine Office of Tourism also will be represented.
Phil Savignano, a tourism office spokesman, said the signs will help underline for visitors how nice it is to vacation in Maine.
"It's got to be a good thing for them to know their restaurants and . . . everywhere else they go to won't impact their health coming up here," he said.
Welton said the four other signs will be erected at highway visitor information centers in Kittery, Kennebunk, Lewiston and Houlton.
She said the Maine Department of Transportation is providing the five signs, which cost about $150 each to build.
Mills said a similar "Breathe easy, you're in Maine" sign has been at the Portland International Jetport for two years. She said the additional signs on highways "will reach quite a few more
I and 99% of my friends smoke. We do not toss our cigarette butts on the ground, none of us. None of us smoke when in the presence of children. None of us. We all respect other peoples property and do not smoke unless offered by the host. None of us.
You're ignorant statement above is insulting to me and all of my friends. All of us. No one I know would subject you to our smoking if we knew you objected. No one. You, on the other hand, would subject us to your ignorance of our rights. All of us.
Happy 4th of July. I will enjoy my independence from ignorant and selfrighteous people like you in the comfort of my own home and land. If you'd like, I'll freepmail my address to you so you can come here tell me and my own our smoking is bothering you. The hospital is only a 10 minute drive from here.
FMCDH(BITS)
Go to New Hamphire. Not much coastline but it's beautiful and you can still smoke.
Hey, lady!
Did you get my ping to the card I made up?
"You're ignorant statement above is insulting to me and all of my friends. All of us. No one I know would subject you to our smoking if we knew you objected. No one."
Moonpieman's not going to get this message.
All his/her kind cares about is spouting the anti-conservative mantra of the anti-everything.
They care about nothing but making you bend to their will.
Private property owner's rights? Nah, we'll sacrifice them on the altar of social correctness.
What is correct, you say? Ask them, they'll be glad to tell you how selfish, and downright dirty you are.
And now, their kind are attacking food, coffee,fruit juice, you name it. They plan to invade every aspect of your life.
Check out this thread;
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1658815/posts
Are you allowed to smoke in your own home? In your car? In your yard?
Yes Gabz. Even the non-smokers are getting tired of this. They see what is going on and are really worried as well what is next on the anti's list. Just a matter of time before they too, are hit with some sort of ban. People of TIRED of it!
And all the while, more private businesses are closing their doors. And why should YOU care? Its no skin off of YOUR back. And your argument doesn't hold water what with all the big smoke eaters today. Ever hear of them???!!!
pity
I don't worry about such dweebs.........
With that said - I've got to leave for work. Tending bar where smokign is permitted!!!!
Today is July 1 and the start of the 4th of July weekend. I am sickened that my state of Colorado chose this date to enact the antismoking law for all public places (you know, public places owned by private citizens).
I know. We have been following Colorado. It's a real shame because Colorado has some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the land!
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That's what I hear Mears. And Hampton Beach is to DIE for!!!!
I'm not SURE Randall!!!! Can you ping or resend again please?
Here in Maine????
Not sure what you are getting at, but yes, I smoke in my home, in my vehicle and in my yard. Your point being?
Have a great night Gabz!!!!
That's OK..I am selfish and downright dirty. So are they. They just won't admit it. They're just modern Pharisees...
phar·i·see Audio pronunciation of "Pharisees"
Pronunciation Key (fr-s) n. 1. Pharisee A member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form. 2. A hypocritically self-righteous person.
FMCDH(BITS)
Nothing sinister. I am referring to the Maine smoking bans. :(
Your post 54 is spot on. Thanks.
I'd love to, but what is it you want me to send Randall????
Perhaps a request for the list's members to try my idea with the cards. Or, you could send your list to me and I can send the pingaroonie, if you want.
Pweeeze?
As I was reading this thread I was thinking about the Ozarks as well. What a beautiful place. I highly recommend vacationing there - a lot cheaper, gorgeous in the summer and fall and you can smoke. (For those who think the Ozarks is just for hicks, a lot of East coasters have homes there.)
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