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Updated: 2:04 PM Feb 5, 2010
Governor Blasts Smoking Ban Proposal
Gov. Mark Parkinson says a smoking ban bill introduced this week is a "fraud."
Posted: 1:52 PM Feb 5, 2010Reporter: 13 News |
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21 Comments 
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Topeka (WIBW) - A day to draw attention to the problem of heart disease drew strong words from Gov. Mark Parkinson.
State health officials and representatives from the American Heart Association joined Parkinson Friday for "Wear Red Day."
The national event encourages people to wear red in an effort to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.
Parkinson says smoking and second-hand smoke are big risk factors for heart disease in men and women. He's pushing a statewide smoking ban, but called a measure introduced in the House this week meaningless.
Parkinson says the measure not only doesn't ban smoking, it repeals ordinances in communities that "have had the courage" to ban smoking.
"It is a ridiculous piece of public policy that is nothing but a fraud on Kansas citizens," Parkinson said.
The measure is HB 2642. It bans smoking in public places, but allows exceptions for physically separate smoking sections and outdoor areas. It also allows businesses to pay an annual fee of $1 per square foot to opt out of the ban.
Latest Comments
Heart Disease? What about the Junk Food, Alcohol, Obesity/Fitness, Health Care Prices, don't that all play a roll in it??? But they attack smokers? I've said it before, and I'll say it again... This State & This Country of ours is going DOWN HILL FAST! My advise for the State... Find another way to fix y'all Politician's screw ups with the State's Financial System! Why should just one group of people (Smokers) get dragged through the mud, and blamed for something that could be hundreds if not thousands of other different causes. My parents, and grandparents smoked from age 13 till today, and they live/lived a full healthy life. Smoking was not the cause of their death. So, If you have problem with me smoking, stay out of my house, my vehicle, and my business, and I'll stay our of yours. Simple!
These smokers make me sick (literally when I have to breathe their second hand smoke.) Workers are entitled to a smoke-free workplace. Smokers might as well get used to it....your days are numbered in terms of places you can smoke. Your vile habit is unwelcome! Quit smoking for your health and the health of those around you. It should be considered child abuse for smokers to subject their children's developing lungs to smoke in cars and homes. Wake up, Smokers!
Chantz--Do you ever think about someone else other than yourself. It is you non-smokers who are the selfish ones. As a business owner I should be allowed to decide who I want to cater to. I am the one who invested in the business, I am the one who pays the taxes on my business and if I want to put up a sign that says "SMOKERS WELCOME" that should be my right. If you don't smoke, and you don't like to be around smoke, stay out of my business. There are businesses around that cater to non smokers. Do business with them. I don't know which is worse a Republican who can't stay out of my life, or a Democrat who can't stay out of my pocket!
