Here are some of the letters I've received or have had forwarded to me about the smoking ban.
People who aren't me or a city official are referred to by initials.
From: Matt Plomin
To: Kris Knigga
You're a good man, Knigga. I agree with you completely.
I'll see what I can do.
Regards,
Matt
From: Randy Truitt
To: Kris Knigga
I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. It is a deep, passionate argument no matter what side of the topic you are on.
Randy
From: Ann Hunt
To: A.R.
A., Hello. Thank you for informing me of your thoughts on the smoke-free ordinance. The stated purpose of the smoke-free ordinance is protection of workers from 2nd hand smoke. I hope we can agree to respectfully disagree on this issue.
Please continue to express your opinions.
ann h hunt
PS. A final, gentle note: About 25 years ago an experienced Republican, Indiana State Representative advised a group of nurses (I was a part of that group) not to send clusters of form letters to elected officials. His opinion was that a short ,heartfelt, individualized letter was much more convincing than the same letter sent by multiple individuals. I know that you are a politically active individual and thought you might benefit from that OPINION. My best to you.
From: Patti O'Callaghan
To: Kris Knigga
Dear Kris,
Thanks for your input. I believe that smoking is not a fundamental right and should be regulated when it negatively impacts the health of others. The smoke-free workplace ordinance is a matter of public health and worker safety, not an issue of personal freedom. - Patti
From: Ann Hunt
To: Kris Knigga
Dear Mr. Knigga,
Thank you for sending me this letter. I have received quite a few in the last few days.
First let me explain that I have been a nurse for > 4 decades and have seen many public health laws that protect health care workers and citizens and patients. I have personally complied with and been protected by these laws. Because of my experience I am confident that the smoke-free ordinance is a public health regulation that protects the health and safety of employees who work in areas that have 2nd hand smoke. I also believe it is the role of the government to provide for public health and safety, whether it be by rules that restrict drunk driving, requiring driver's licenses or require school children to have certain immunizations. This ordinance protects workers; that is the stated purpose of the smoke-free ordinance.
We have seen much data that indicates that smoke-free bars and restaurants do not lose revenues.
I hope we can respectfully agree to disagree on this topic.
I hope you will keep in touch.
I wish you well in your studies and career.
ann h hunt, Ph.D., RN
From: Patti O'Callaghan
To: A.D.
Dear A.,
Thanks for your input. I believe that smoking is not a fundamental right and should be regulated when it negatively impacts the health of others. The smoke-free workplace ordinance is a matter of public health and worker safety, not an issue of personal freedom. - Patti
From: Ann Hunt
To: D.G.
Mr. G., thank you for sharing your thoughts about the smoke-free ordinance. As you may, or may now know, I have been in favor of the smoke-free ordinance for several reasons.
#1. the main focus of this ordinance is to protect workers from the harmful effects of 2nd hand smoke. I believe people have a right to work in a safe environment. Research, that I have read, gives evidence that smoky work environs are harmful to workers.
#2. I have been a nurse for > 4 decades and have observed the harmful results of first and 2nd hand smoke.
#3. A large majority (84%) of individuals (students and residents) have stated their support of this ordinance.
#4. Data from studies in places where smoke-free ordinances have been passed gives reasonably strong evidence that bar and restaurants revenues do not fall.
#5. Finally, this is my opinion: Smokers do not have the right to puff their smoke into the air, and therefore into the lungs, of non smokers. WHere is common courtesy? Where are the rights of the non-smokers? #5 is my opinion.
I respect your opinions; but, I am unable to comply with your request to repeal this ordinance. Thank you anyway.
ann h hunt
From: J.F.
To: Kris Knigga
I did not realize that a smoking ban had been passed. However, as a "good" republican, you should realize that smoking is an infringement on the rights of those who have to smell it. I don't want to die from your second hand smoke. If you will look in the context of history you will note that the only bans that have been passed are those that are mean to protect the rights of others. Freedom religion is protected up to the point that I start killing or infringing upon the rights of others. Please consider this!
From: Kris Knigga
To: J.F.
Smoking is not a violation of the rights of nonsmokers. If you find yourself in a smoky environment, you are more than welcomed to leave. Nothing is keeping you there. The major argument, I feel, is that of restaurants and bars. It is argued that people go to bars and have to breathe smoke and that's not good. You know what? They didn't have to go out to the bars. And even if they did for some reason, there is at least one voluntarily smoke-free bar already. The same goes for restaurants. It is not a right to eat out. The only right in question with this smoking ban is the right of business owners to allow a legal activity in their place of business.
From: J.F.
To: Kris Knigga
I appreciate your reply. It was worded very well. In public places, restaurants included, it is a right for any person in the world to be able to attend. that includes non smokers. If there are private clubs or bars etc. where members pay to be a part of that club, then they should have the right to allow smoking. (my opinion)
From: J.F.
To: Kris Knigga
I may have to re-think my stance on the smoking subject. You may be right.
From: S.P.
To: Kris Knigga
As a Republican, I am strongly in favor of the ban.
From: C.B.
To: Kris Knigga
Totally with you, props for doing this.
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