Replies

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!

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

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.

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?