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

 

[Mears]

Thanks for the best laugh of the day----a restaurant that bans non-smokers from the smoking deck.

[Gabz]

I'm not so sure. It's possible he is getting pressure from someone somewhere. In my second email I alluded to those that make a living promoting such bans as this.

I'm looking at it from the point of view that some of these people really don't understand the issue and need a bit of education. They probably only hear from and receive info from the antis, we have all the opposing info, one never knows where some of that info may just turn around one of these things.

[Mears]

It sets a bad example for our youth?

Is this guy for real?Has he turned on the TV,read a newspaper,or listened to any music these days?

The people that kids admire the most,the celebrities,athletes,and show business crowd,are often guilty of behaviour far worse than smoking cigarettes.Even the kids would think his ideas are weird.

I also hope he is editing all the history books in the schools to eliminate all the nasty smokers that are mentioned in there;for example those smoking slobs,Roosevelt and Churchill.What a bad example men like that set for kids.Children should also be protected from any old newsreels of WWII,Korea,or VietNam----cigarettes,you know are dangerous.

Some of them probably have grandparents that smoke also---what message does he want to give those kids?

I don't like Florida anyway(I hate the heat)so they won't lose any business from me,but the loss of NYC as a place to visit makes me feel terrible.

Thank God for Whoopi Goldberg's "in your face" attitude about smoking on her show.I wonder if kids are allowed to see it in Florida?

[CSM]

"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."

In other words, "I don't want to take on parental responsibility, but I will!"

This guy is a joke. He doesn't like walking through a group of smokers, well designate a covered area that provides a space for them. He doesn't like seeing litter on the ground, well provide a proper disposal area for litter. He thinks it sets a bad example for children, he better figure out how to create a ballot that the adults know how to use before starting to work on the examples we set for children.

[SheLion]

Lets give them some food for thought:

Businesses Harmed by Smoking Bans

Anti-smoking organizations insist that bans are somehow good for people in hospitality businesses. This chart shows otherwise. These businesses have lost a significant portion of their business as a direct result of smoking bans. Many are closed. Many that are still open have told us they doubt they'll survive much longer.

Most of this information comes directly from businesses that have contacted me or my colleagues. Some comes from newspaper articles. Blank spaces in the chart represent data that is unavailable, or that doesn't apply. (For instance, a distributor doesn't receive tips, and many owner-operators of small taverns don't have any employees other than themselves and family members.)

If your business has been harmed by a smoking ban, or if you know of one that has been, please let us know. If possible, have the owner contact us. Newspaper articles are also welcome. Please include the URL. .

Click here to contact us.

[SheLion]

Here is more response from Mayor Fred! He's one hard nut! I pity the people that live in his district. I'd love to see him go down the toilet like Davis in California!

Your premise will have no impact on my vote as I believe there will be more who like the thought of "No Smoking" rather than dislike it. In spite of my belief that it will be more popular than unpopular, I do not intend to base my decision on that belief. I/we will attempt to listen to all sides and make what we hope will be the best decision for our community. We are a "quality of life" community and believe our tourism is based upon that aspect, rather than catering to any specific demographic such as smokers or non-smokers.

Fred Costello

[SheLion]

I'm not so sure. It's possible he is getting pressure from someone somewhere. In my second email I alluded to those that make a living promoting such bans as this.

He's not going to budge. I just received an email from him. Read my post #46.

[Gabz]

In my second email to him I mentioned the city could be working with local business to provide proper receptacles.

He did not seem to be averse to a bit of education on the subject as his second reply to me stated that considerate folks like me are always welcome.

[SheLion]

Is this guy for real?

mears, he is a prissy nose anti-smoker and nothing is going to change his mind, except a majority vote against this smoking ban!

He has heard how his brother, Bloomberg in NYC did it, and how 4 other states did it, and since he hates smokers so much, now HE is going to flex his muscle (?) and do it in HIS district.

He doesn't care about the PEOPLE. All he cares about is his prissy nose and having to "walk through the smokers outside." Poor baby!  And the butts on the ground! Well, why doesn't he break loose with some of his budget money and put RECEPTACLES outside!  How hard can THAT be! He just wants to bitch about it, that's all I can tell. 

[SheLion]

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.

I love that!

[Gabz]

In response to his comment regarding setting examples to children I explained how it was a much worse example to children to see their parents having to use food stamps while looking for a new job because the restaurant where they worked had to lay them off due to lack of business because of smoking bans.

[SheLion]

He's worried about the KIDS?

[SheLion]

In response to his comment regarding setting examples to children I explained how it was a much worse example to children to see their parents having to use food stamps while looking for a new job because the restaurant where they worked had to lay them off due to lack of business because of smoking bans.

Good one!

If anything, we can plant the seeds of doubt in his head AND the other members!

[Mears]

The fact that he calls his town a "quality of life" community says it all.

This is the kind of place that probably has a counselor for every need,on call,at a moments notice.

I've never been there but it sounds like many of those cookie cutter places that are all over the USA today. I call them "fake towns" because there is no real life going on,they all remind me of movie sets.

[SheLion]

I've never been there but it sounds like many of those cookie cutter places that are all over the USA today. I call them "fake towns" because there is no real life going on,they all remind me of movie sets.

Yes! And where the Mayor and the Council have FAR too much TIME on their hands!

[CSM]

"Well, why doesn't he break loose with some of his budget money and put RECEPTACLES outside!"

He wouldn't have to, if they hadn't gotten rid of them in the first place. Heck, they may still have them in storage.

[Gabz]

I got a different take on his reply to you than you did.

He clearly states he will not be basing a decision on his own personal belief, he is saying it will be based upon input.

All I am saying is providing him with factual information in a non-confrontational manner may very well sway him and the City Commission to just scuttle the whole idea.

[SheLion]

Another email from a disgruntled smoker!

I would like to know where it is written that you have the right to enjoy walking through a group of smokers.  Maybe you wouldn’t feel that anyone was infringing on your rights if you went somewhere else.  You don’t have the right to legislate comfort for some while that legislation is discomforting to others.

You are tired of seeing cigarette butts everywhere?  I am tired of seeing little Nazis dictating their agenda to Americans.  I’m sure that you have many Jews in your constituency.  Are they aware of the Nazi principles that you follow?  Are you aware of the Nazi principles that you follow?  You may want to do a little research and see how your attitude comes across in relation to Hitler and the Nazi regime.  You might be surprised at the similarities.  

“Tolerance for others.”?  Would that include you and your intolerance?   

I expect to see stupidity and stubbornness in our elected officials, those are traits that they are born with and they can’t help.  But there is no excuse for ignorance.  Read a book Fred. Go to a website and see what is really going on with negative economic impacts, propaganda, lies, misappropriation of funds, illegal lobbying, use of “the children”, and all the other tactics that the antis are using.  Now go ahead and associate with that and endorse the smoking ban.  

Politicians like you are about at the end of an era.  People are getting very tired of being lied to and dictated to.  In this age of information, people are becoming wiser.  And yes, Fred, voters are people too.  

I intend to monitor you closely.  If you aren’t familiar with Forces, you need to be.  Go to www.forces.org.  There is a lot of strength here and a lot of people and influence.  You better straighten up you act.

 

[CSM]

My application has been sent.

[SheLion]

The letter in post #58 is the best ever! This writer has a lot of class and doesn't rant. But he DOES speak with authority!

I bet Mayor Fred has a headache about now. LOL!