Washington County Rejects Smoking Ban/Tax

Sometimes Washington County makes me proud.

With much huffing and puffing, the County Board refused to support Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed statewide smoking ban in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

The nonbinding resolution was advanced by the Washington County Health Department through the Board of Health to “advocate for health,” said Linda Walter, the department’s director and the county health officer.

“(Smoking) is a terrible, costly problem in our county,” she said, and the 75 percent of the population that does not smoke should be able to enjoy “clean indoor air in places where people have a reasonable expectation of clean air.”

But nearly two-thirds of the county supervisors did not see the resolution as a health issue. The vote was 17-10 against passage of the document.

“This is another cash grab from the governor,” said County Board Supervisor Daniel Knodl, referring to a proposed sales tax increase on cigarettes.

1. Smart cookies, those Washington County folks. 

   Posted by Kate on March 16, 2007 at 1026 hrs




2. "75 percent of the population that does not smoke should be able to enjoy “clean indoor air in places where people have a reasonable expectation of clean air.”

   Yes Linda.  They can expect clean air in their homes and those businesses that they own.
   It’s “reasonable” to NOT GO to places where their specific......NEEDS....are not being served. 
   Linda Walter has concluded that “smoking is a terrible costly problem in our county.” No bias there. 
   How does John Q Public smoking like a smoke stack COST THE COUNTY??
   Libs contend that the poor health of smokers is costly.
   Isn’t the extended lifetime of those who DID NOT SMOKE even more COSTLY???  Year after year after year of SOCIAL SECURITY and MEDICAIRE????  WAY TOO COSTLY. 

   Maybe KFC should not be allowed to FRY POLLO.

   If it saves just one life.................

   Posted by mickey on March 17, 2007 at 0102 hrs