Florida: Ormond mayor airs smoking ban idea

news-journalonline.com ^ | 25 February 2004 | EILEEN ZAFFIRO

[SheLion]

ORMOND BEACH -- Ormond Beach smokers already unhappy about the statewide ban on smoking in restaurants are probably going to want a word with the mayor.

Mayor Fred Costello announced at a recent commission meeting he'd like to see the city adopt a sweeping smoking ban in public places. Costello said Tuesday he ultimately wants smoking prohibited outside of city buildings and other public places ranging from ballfields to areas outside hotels.

"Any city or public property where the public has access," Costello said. "I think Ormond Beach should be a no-smoking city. . . . I think it sets a good example for kids to be a healthy community and smoking in public infringes on the rights of others."

A few years ago, Costello made a similar proposal that never developed. This time, he's hoping his idea will ride the current momentum of the restaurant smoking ban and an anti-smoking measure Port Orange councilors are considering.

The Port Orange ordinance, which cleared its first hurdle this month on a 5-0 vote, proposes to outlaw smoking at several sports facilities, restrooms and concession stands near those facilities, playground areas, the City Center amphitheater, skateboard park and other city parks.

The Port Orange measure, which is largely aimed at shielding children, is up for a final vote next month.

Ormond Beach City Attorney Randy Hayes said he's not going to draft an ordinance until he can research the matter and commissioners have a chance to talk about the idea at a meeting this spring. The issue is tentatively scheduled as a discussion item for the commission's April 7 meeting.

The statewide ban on smoking in restaurants was passed by a majority of voters  (How many showed UP! heh) saying that's what they wanted. Hayes said he needs to determine if elected officials could impose a smoking ban, particularly on private property.

The city's four commissioners, who like the mayor do not smoke, say they want to learn more before they make any decisions.

"The pros are that it would help with health, pollution and litter," said Commissioner Troy Kent. "The cons are that it's more government in peoples' lives, and it's very intrusive."

Commissioner Scott Selis said he hasn't made up his mind about the issue. For now he's leaning against a broad smoking ban in public, but is "intrigued" by the Port Orange ordinance.

"I think right now I'd line up with Port Orange," said Commissioner Jeff Boyle. "I'm worried about enforceability."

Commissioner Bill Partington said he wants to hear from his constituents before he decides how to vote. But he said he likes "the Port Orange ordinance because it's narrowly tailored to protect the children."

email eileen

 

[SheLion]

Thanks Gabz! I did!

"We are telling all tourist NOT to go to Florida anymore, especially if they are tourist and smoke. Florida must not want their money! Tell the Mayor to just BAN tobacco products in his district and be done with it. I'd love to see the whiplash on THAT one! "

[NautiNurse]

Mayor Fred's address: costello@ormondbeach.org

and the rest of the City Commission

[Gabz]

You're quick - I'm still playing around on the site trying to find it!!!

Thank you!!!!!

[Protagoras]

"I think Ormond Beach should be a no-smoking city totalitarian/no property rights city. . . ."

[NautiNurse]

In all fairness to Florida--since the smoking ban went into effect, quite a few restaurants around here have added outdoor dining areas to accomodate smokers.

In fact, one restaurant I frequent does prohibits non-smokers out on their deck unless accompanied by a smoker. They will ask to see your cigarettes before seating if they don't recognize the patron. It's pretty funny.

[SheLion]

Florida: Ormond mayor airs smoking ban idea

Dear Mayor Costello,

Concerning your proposed smoking ban in Ormond Beach:  why do you want to cut out 25-30% of your economy?  In this day, the economy is under a lot of pressure, yet you wish to choke off MORE of your economy by restricting 25-30% of your tourists AND your constituents who smoke.

For the children?  Do you realize that is the same mantra that Hitler used back in the 40's to prohibit people from smoking?  Are you now wearing brown shirts and marching in jack boots?

Tobacco is a legal product.  If you want to control, restrict and ban smokers, then why don't you call for an all out ban?  Pull all tobacco products off of the shelves in your district.  That would "really" get the message across.

And one more thing:  if you carry through with this ban, then I believe that all tobacco settlement money should stop filling your coffers.

Smoking tourists from out of state do not WANT to spend their money in Florida anymore! So I hope your budget can carry the loss.

[SheLion]

I sent my letter off and I CC'd a copy to the rest of them as well.

[SheLion]

In all fairness to Florida--since the smoking ban went into effect, quite a few restaurants around here have added outdoor dining areas to accomodate smokers.

That's great! Florida has the weather to DO that. Except on raining and high wind days. Wonder what smoker will go out in that? Still will cause some loss of revenue.

[Gabz]

That's a restaurant I sure would patronize!!!!

Because of the climate, and ban wording in the case of Florida, neither California nor Florida business have been hit as hard as those in Delaware, New York and Maine....outside decks and patios can not and do not work in those locales in the winter.

[Gabz]

Dear Mayor Costello,

I read with total dismay your proposal to make Ormond Beach a no-smoking
city. I have heard of some far-fetched ideas coming from the anti-smoker
brigades but such proposals truly take the cake.

While it has been a few years, I have visited your city on vacation in the
past. Florida was the vacation destination choice of my family since the
early 1970's.

Ormond Beach will never be on that list of destinations ever again. Smokers
may only represent about 25% of the population, but do you really believe
that non-smokers will make up the difference in lost tourism dollars when
smokers refuse to visit your fair city, and their non-smoking friends and
family join them elsewhere?

As a parent it is my decision as to what I will shield my child from - that
is my job not yours. Antique vehicles parading through the streets are not
exactly conducive to pollution-free air and set a bad example to children
regarding the misguided use of vehicles. Are you also proposing to cancel
your annual auto shows?

Enjoy your smoke-free Utopia, but do not forget that smokers are not only
taxpayers, but tourists as well. Be prepared when they stop coming to your
city, whether this ridiculous porposal of yours is enacted or not. You have
blatantly told 50 million Americans they are not wanted.

Good Luck

[Gabz]

did you get a response from him? I did - and while I still disagree with him I did thank him for being courteous.

[SheLion]

did you get a response from him? I did - and while I still disagree with him I did thank him for being courteous.

I just got back to the computer and received one response so far. Is this the same guy that wrote you?

Darlene,

I've saved your input with the other comments we're receiving on the issue.

This will be a discussion item at the Wednesday, April 7 City Commission meeting (held a day later due to Passover) Thank you.

Joe Radcliffe, Public Information Officer
City of Ormond Beach (386) 615-7021

[Gabz]

Nope - my responose came from the mayor himself. I only emailed him - but he cc'd his response to me to a bunch of others, so I replied all when I responded.

I'm on my way to the store - and was in the process of turning off the computer - I'll post the email from him when I get back.

[SheLion]

I got a response from "FRED." What a hard nut! He loves his power!

Thanks for your input. I don't agree with your analogy, but I understand your concern about our rights. I personally don't enjoy walking through a group of smokers at the entrance to buildings-I think they are infringing on my rights; maybe I wouldn't feel that way if they would smoke far away from the entrance.

I think it sets a bad example for our youth to see adults publicly participating in what most parents tell their children is a bad habit and a health hazard.

I am very tired of seeing cigarette butts scattered "everywhere."

As suggested in one email against the proposed ban, I would welcome a campaign promoting "courtesy, consideration and toleration for others" whether or not we enact a "No Smoking" ban.
Fred

He doesn't like to "walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke!"

Well, HE is one of the ones who put the smokers OUT there!

[cherinfl]

I think he needs to start a campaign about promoting "Courtesy, consideration and toleration for others". What a hypocrite!!!!

[cherinfl]

I just sent this to the mayor and the other elected officials.


Dear Mayor Costello,

I live in Florida and have visited you area numerous times. However, based on your Proposal for a No Smoking City I will never visit your area again!

How dare you as an elected official preach as to what you think is right and wrong. I read a response that you sent to a fellow smoker and am absolutely appalled at your Nazi behavior!

You personally don't like walking thru a group of smokers outside, well that is too bad now isn't it? You helped put us there so know you have to suffer those consequences. And you are tired of seeing cigarette butts scattered "everywhere". As a mayor have you thought about putting a bucket outside with some sand in it? Or is that out of your realm of thinking?

You state that is sets a bad example for 'the children". Well, if you really feel that way then you must also want to shut all the bars down in your city because drinking alcohol is setting a bad example 'for the children"! When will we see that proposal in the newspaper???

You need to start a campaign promoting "courtesy, consideration and toleration for others", because you are a hypocrite! Have you showed us smokers any courtesy, consideration? Are you tolerant of us?? I think not!!!

Just so you know this news article and your outrageous comments has been sent to the Smoking Community all over the world. I can tell you with a smile on my face that you are "the laughing stock" of the Smokers all over the world!!

And you other City Officials I have emailed with my comments you need to listen up and not be taken in by a mayor that is totally out of control.
You may want to consider removing him from office. You take an oath of office and right now based on what I have read you are all on the chopping block for disgracing your oath of office.

Florida

[SheLion]

I think he needs to start a campaign about promoting "Courtesy, consideration and toleration for others". What a hypocrite!!!!

This thread and URL was SENT to Mr. Mayor. He was told that Free Republic is read all over the world. And the smoking tourist would not want to spend their money in an area with the "shades of natzi Germany!"

[SheLion]

If this ban passes............TAKE AWAY THE TOBACCO SETTLEMENT MONEY FROM THEM!

[Gabz]

My response from the Mayor was similar to yours, but a bit expanded

---

Thanks for your input. I understand your (appropriate) concern about your
rights.
I have not told anybody (including several family members who smoke) they
are not wanted. I am only suggesting we create an environment (pass
resolutions) that will allow them to smoke in (private) areas where they
won't impact those who choose to avoid second hand smoke, and restrict them
from participating in their habit in areas where contact with unwilling
participants can't be avoided.
I personally don't enjoy walking through a group of smokers at the entrance
to buildings-I think they are infringing on my rights; maybe I wouldn't feel
that way if they would smoke far away from the entrance.
I am very tired of seeing cigarette butts scattered "everywhere."
I think it sets a bad example for our youth to see adults publicly
participating in what most parents tell their children is a bad habit and a
known health hazard. I don't want to take on parental responsibility, but as
community leaders, we have a responsibility to set a community standard on
many fronts-time will tell if setting this community standard is appropriate
and well received on not.
As suggested in one email against the proposed ban, I would welcome a
campaign promoting "courtesy, consideration and toleration for others"
whether or not we enact a "No Smoking" ban.
Fred

---

I responded and thanked him for his courtesy and expanded upon some of the points I made in my initial email, as well as some of his comments.

The way I look at is if these Mayors and Councils hear from smokers in opposition to these types of things, that offer either alternatives or explanations as to why there are many of the problems they are trying to address - maybe, just maybe, the underlying problem (smoking bans) will eventually be addressed - instead of just compounding the problem.

[SheLion]

My response from the Mayor was similar to yours, but a bit expanded

He didn't say much more to you then what he said to me. He's still a prissy nose control freak wannabe.