Wasilla to be recognized for smoke-free policy

WASILLA — Wasilla will be formally recognized by a coalition advocating smoke-free workplaces Monday for banning smoking in city vehicles last July.

The award is on behalf of Breath Free Mat-Su, a group of health-care providers, advocates and concerned residents that would like to see more smoke-free workplaces.

Becky Stoppa, coordinator of Alaska Family Service’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Arm, said the city is a good example of a smoke-free workplace.

“We’re presenting them with an award to recognize that effort,” Stoppa said.

This past summer, city council voted 4-1 to ban smoking in city cars and trucks, enacting the first ban of its kind in city-owned vehicles.

At the time of the measure’s passage, then-councilman Steve Menard, the initiative’s sponsor, called smoking in city cars and trucks “ridiculous.”

Many proponents of the ban said it made no sense that smoking is not allowed in Wasilla City Hall but permitted in city vehicles.

Menard said that besides the obvious health and discomfort effects of second-hand smoke, the stench of cigarette smoke can devalue a car the city is trying to sell or trade in.

Before the ban went into place, city rules allowed employees with sole use of a city vehicle to smoke in it. Smoking was only prohibited in city vehicles that were shared by multiple employees.

While there is no disciplinary action on employees caught smoking in their vehicles after the ban, Menard said the idea was to discourage the practice.

Stoppa said banning smoking not only helps non-smokers be free of second-hand smoke, but can also prompt some smokers to give up the habit.

“When policies make it more difficult for smokers to smoke, it gets them to smoke less,” Stoppa said.

The award will be presented at the city council’s 7 p.m. meeting Monday at Wasilla City Hall.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.