Maine:Council to consider smoke-free city zones~Aren't We Sick Of This Yet?

MaineToday.com ^ | February 20, 2004 | JOSIE HUANG

[SheLion]

Jane William isn't impressed by people who smoke by the basketball courts at Portland's Payson Park, but she says other teenagers may be getting the wrong message.

"I think it smells," William, a lanky, 14-year-old, said forcefully. "They want to be cool."

A proposal going before city councilors next week takes aim at youths' smoking by calling for "tobacco-free zones" at city athletic fields and playgrounds, and during events at parks.

No one would police the zones or issue fines, say the city officials behind the proposal, because those elements would require manpower and a change to city ordinances.

But if city councilors approve the measure, signs would mark areas as "tobacco-free" and Parks and Recreation employees would pass out tiny cards that might read "You are welcome at our Tobacco-Free Field . . . but tobacco is not!"

Compliance would be voluntary, but the idea still burns some smokers. They consider the outdoors the last place they can smoke freely in Portland, since tobacco was outlawed at workplaces, restaurants and, beginning this year, bars.

"I think it's kind of stupid - I mean, the smoking's outside," said Mandy Ryan, a 21-year-old gas station cashier. "The responsibility should be put on parents to teach them not to smoke."

Smokers who are trying to quit, however, see some value in the proposal.

"I have five boys and some of them smoke," said Judy Ruffino, Ryan's co-worker. "They copied me, and I think I copied my mother."

The plan's supporters stress that the goal is not to make life difficult for smokers, but to further promote tobacco-free lifestyles for Portland children and reduce their exposure to secondhand smoke. Already, Portland schools prohibit smoking on school property, including playgrounds.

"If (youths) see tobacco use as a normal part of what's going on, they're more likely to see tobacco use as a normal part of life for them," said Richard Veilleux, a program coordinator for the city's Health and Human Services Department.

Since last fall, the city's health and Parks & Recreation officials have worked with community health experts on the proposed resolution, which does not yet have a cost estimate or a funding source.

The public can comment on the proposal when the City Council's health and human services committee meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. The committee will decide whether to recommend passage to the full council.

During the last decade, tobacco-free areas have proliferated across the country. At least a dozen other communities in Maine have them, including Bath, Brunswick, Gorham and Westbrook.

Tobacco-free zones are popular because they work, according to supporters. Brunswick made its playing fields and trails tobacco-free 18 months ago, and has seen significant results.

"We're picking up a lot fewer tobacco products after adult leagues," said Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farrell.

Portland's proposed program is modeled largely after Brunswick's, but Portland may not post the same type of blue and red signs that the state provides for free.

Don Brewer, Portland's assistant parks and recreation director, said the city would consult with the historic and parks preservation groups on the design of the signs, and hire translators so the message would be understood by immigrants.

Portable signs would be created for events such as the Festival of Nations held at Deering Oaks, but are unlikely to appear at a massive affair like the Fourth of July celebration along the Eastern Promenade, Brewer said.

The proposal's creators considered making smoking at tobacco-free zones a violation, as it is in Westbrook, but decided that was unrealistic. Year-round, there are only two full-time park rangers who oversee several parks, 19 playing fields and 27 playgrounds, including those operated by the schools.

But Brewer foresees gradually expanding the program.

William, who attends King Middle School, said she likes the idea of banning smoking from more places outdoors because kids her age don't realize that behavior is unhealthy.

"They see what adults do, and ask, 'Why can't I do that?' "

Julia McCue, staff researcher, contributed to this story.

[Mears]

Never trust ANY organization with the word "peace" in their name.

They are always the most vicious!!!!!!

[Uncle Jaque]

Aah, Portland...

Thanks to Chief "Philidelphia Phil" Chitwood, a "Gun-Free" Zone.

He does not care if we have a State CWP Permit or not; if we're caught packing in Portland Town, even if sober and minding our own legitimate business, he's promised to melt our gun down to make anchors with at the very least, even if he can't throw us in the hoosegow for political rectification.

What "Constitution"? We don't need no steenking "Constitution" in this Town!

Soon to be a "Tobacco Free Zone".

Can we safely consider it to be a certifiably "Freedom Free Zone" at this point?

As interesting a Town as Portland can be, I sort of avoid the place as much as I can these days. I would much rather go to Brunswick to eat out, see a show or whatever.

Sad to say, this whole bleedin' State is going the way of PC Portland and Lewiston, isn't it?

[SheLion]

Leisler, is that Portland, Oregon or Portlant MAINE???

[SheLion]

That made me so nervous I misspelled Portland. ~Geesh!

[Uncle Jaque]

You've sure got that right!

And if you see "Peace" AND "Justice" in the same line;

RUN AWAAAAAAaaaaaY!!!

Don't you love those "Free Tibet" stickers on the bumpers of some of Communism's best friends?

Geat idea, Komrades; I rather wish you and your cherished allies under the big red flag would!

Can we come up with some counter - PC bumper stickers...

"Save the Whales; Great! How about some Human Fetuses, too?"

"Free Tibet; Quit shopping at Wal-Mart!"

"Sure; You have a right to be an idiot; but do you really have to vote?"

...and that sort of thing.

About the only places I have found bumpstickers in that vein
is at Gun Shows and the Republican State Convention (to some extent).

If you plan on parking in boston, portland, lewiston or one of those socio-PC kingdoms, I wouldn'd stick one on a vehicle you cared too much about, though.

[Nik Naym]

I don't know who has me on a ping list, but would the appropriate person please remove me? Thank you.

[SheLion]

I don't have you on mine. But I will ping the others and they can remove you if your on one of theirs.

[Madame Dufarge]

Mears, that's one great tag line!

[Just another Joe]

Hey Unc, did you ping Nik Naym?

If so see post #26

[CSM]

""If (youths) see tobacco use as a normal part of what's going on, they're more likely to see tobacco use as a normal part of life for them," said Richard Veilleux, a program coordinator for the city's Health and Human Services Department."

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At the same time we demonize smoking, we have a society trying to normalize homosexual behaviour. We are even teaching sexual lifestyles to these same children that we want to protect from the "image" of smoking a cigarette. Where does Portland stand on legalizing MJ?