Clearing the smoke

To the editor:

If you have read the papers, listened to the radio or watched the news you know that I oppose the proposed Palmer ordinance No. 11-016 prohibiting smoking in places of employment and public places.

I don’t enjoy the smell of cigarettes and on the rare occasion that I do visit one of our local bars I have to hang my coat in my garage and let it air out for a day or two. I am also a firm believer in private property rights and the freedom of choice. I encourage the nonprofits that are promoting the smoke-free agenda to continue to educate, inform and support the people and businesses in their efforts to go smoke-free.

The nonprofits provided many compelling statistics to the city council that show how going nonsmoking is a profit-neutral or profit-generating business decision, but sadly with no guarantees.

I remember a time that we talked to business owners and managers as though we were friends, fellow business owners and patrons. When did the conversation of communities, businesses and consumers change? It was not so long ago that we could suggest ideas to the business owners or managers and we would try to promote an idea and help each other. Then, if all else failed, we could always put together our own business plan and risk it ourselves.

I encourage the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce board to engage all of those business owners in a conversation to go smoke-free on their own. Allow them the opportunely to lead by example and not at the point of a spear. After all, you only need one to lead, and if it is truly a profit-neutral or profit-generating business decision they will all surely follow.

Now with that said, I, Richard Best, have never been forced, coerced or threatened in order to enter any of the business establishment that allow smoking inside their premises. Nor have I ever been restrained, blocked or restricted from leaving said establishments.

It’s all about personal choice to enter or leave those businesses, whether you’re applying for a job or as a patron. I am responsible for my own actions and welfare.

Richard Best

Deputy Mayor

City of Palmer