[C-U Smokefree] Jim Turpin Call-in

[Scott P Hays]

Hi anti-smokers,

Looks like we're rolling, whether we like it or not.  I assume most of you saw yesterday's News-Gazette article, and I did an interview at 6:15 this morning with Mix 94.5, followed by a 7-person call-in vote.  We won 4-3!

Just now, Jim Turpin called me and we're going live at 9:35 with a call-in on the ordinance.  I can't say I know the number, but that's AM 1640.  Tune in and call in!  

And I'll see EVERYONE tonight!  Here's to a strong turnout!  And our online supporters are rolling in every time we do these things!

Thanks, and sorry for the short notice, but that's life,

Scott

Here's some factoids:

Smoking is good for business: no scientific study documents a business loss.

Statistically, 19 non-smoking citizens of C-U will die prematurely this year from 

The News-Gazette recorded 60% support for "an ordinance banning smoking in all public places."

Smoking is classified as a Class A carcinogen by the EPA in 1989.

If this is about "freedom", say: Currently smokers (a mere 16% of the population of C-U have all the freedom to go anywhere they want in this city.  Non-smokers concerned about their health cannot.  An asthmatic's freedom to eat where they want or go to a music venue is denied by even a single smoker in an establishment.

We're not banning smokers, they can still go anywhere they want, they just won't be able to smoke while they do it.

Our position is that their sound public health principle on which to compromise our ordinance.  We want to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants, bars, etc.

Clearing the air will bring in new patrons to C-U business and improve the positive image of our community statewide.

Over 700 cities nationwide have strong smokefree ordinances, and 6 states.

Our supporters include ALA, ACS, AHA, Carle Hospital and Health Alliance (to name a few key supporters).

Secondhand smoke is responsible for the premature deaths of 63,000 smokers annually according to the National Cancer Institute

If anyone has any more factoids to share (Kathy Drea? Kerisa?  Theo?)  please do so soon.

I'll try to get as many in as I can, but I won't be able to do them all.

Thanks,

Scott