Smoke and Mirrors
Delay, not necessarily denial. That’s the attitude of proponents of a more strict smoking ban in Marion County. The measure, along with two amendments, failed to garner enough support to pass. The arguments were pretty standard; supporters argued public health, opponents argued property rights. Because the measure was tabled, it can be brought back with a simple majority.
I seriously doubt it would pass if it came back. Some supporters were trying to blame Mayor Greg Ballard for the ordinance not passing, saying he threatened a veto. Those people should spend more time at city hall and less time in front of their computers. Anyone who had been following this issue knows everyone on the Council pretty much had their minds made up before tonight’s meeting.
The measure only had 13 supporters, Councilors Dane Mahern, Doris Minton-McNeil and Monroe Gray all abstained and the one Councilor who was absent, Marilyn Pfisterer was absent and she, by all indications, is in the “no” column. The only way to get more “yes” votes is to add more exemptions, something opposed by the true believers.
I honestly think the anti-smoking crowd would be better off focusing on tobacco cessation and getting people to simply quit. I’d be more than happy to help them by writing and voicing the commercials. For now, however, the ban has about as much chance passing the full council as the local cigar lounge does going smoke free.
There is no public outcry for a total ban. And even in places where there is a total ban, it wasn’t the public that asked for it, it was the activist crowd that pushed the agenda.
Maybe it’s just best if Indianapolis stayed where it is and we let the current compromise exist as is.
I’ve attached a montage of interviews from tonight’s Council meeting below. They are, in order, Bill Smythe of Claude and Annies, Duke Oliver, Tim Fuller of Smoke Free Indy and Kent Smith.
