[C-U Smokefree] Update from the Forum

[Scott Hays]

Updates from the Forum,

Here’s my take on the City of Urbana Public Forum.

First, we had a fantastic showing of support for the
Smokefree ordinance in Urbana. The most telling
comment came at the end when Laurel tallied the pro v.
con comments: 42 in favor and 4 against.

Three of the 4 against were bar owners, if I remember
right, including Paul Wirth of the Iron Post and Steve
Campbell of the Rose Bowl.  Another opponent named
Glenn Rasmussen was chomping on an extinguished cigar
while speaking.   

There were approximately 80-85 people in the
auditorium, not counting press, the panel and council
members – all of whom were in attendance.

Among those speaking in favor were Ian Goldberg of the
Canopy Club, and Milo’s co-owner Janet Summers and
John Schmitt of Ned Kelly’s (the latter two were part
of the invited panel).

The bottom line is that only 3 bar owners bothered to
speak out against this, and at least 3 other
establishment owners spoke in favor.  Given that the
city of Urbana went out of their way to invite
restaurant and bar owners (by sending personal letters
to all eating and drinking establishments), I think
the Urbana council is getting the message loud and
clear.  

As for press, the DI story was a little too “fair and
balanced” (for the opposition, that is) which was
again notably NOT the sentiment at the Forum.  The N-G
seems to have gotten it right. But on Sunday, we were
again mentioned in a snide way by N-G Publisher John
Foreman in the Commentary section, calling us “nanny
stater’s” who “know better than business owners what’s
best for business” as if this is fundamentally about
business, which it’s not.  I’m composing a letter the
N-G now. 

In any case, our next step is for Urbana to move
forward with a draft ordinance.  We anticipate this to
take about a month.  The word on the street is that
they are potentially unanimously supportive of a
comprehensive ordinance (restaurants and bars) IF
there is a Champaign contingency.  

Even Ian Goldberg (Canopy) and Scott Glassman (Crane
Alley) said they would support such a comprehensive
ordinance with Champaign.  In addition, they both felt
if it were restaurants-only this wouldn’t even matter
and they would easily support that!  And I think the
entire Urbana council would currently support a
restaurant-only ordinance, Champaign or not.  So
that’s major progress in my book! But the goal here is
100% smokefree public places, and it is within our
grasp!

At this point, we need to keep the heat on the Urbana
council and not give them the impression that the
ordinance “they” draft “for” us is somehow “up to
them.” It is up to US!!  The citizens of this
community.  Please don’t forget that WE are the
people, and WE are the government. We need to contact
Urbana council members directly in a full court press,
draft letters to the editor in support of a
comprehensive ordinance with NO CHAMPAIGN CONTINGENCY.
 

But at the same time, we should probably keep the
pressure on the Champaign council contingency of
supporters, too (while holding out the hope that
Urbana could be convinced to go it alone). I’d say
that contacts to our potential Champaign supporters
would definitely be in line at this point. They are
Giraldo, Tom, Gena, Marci, and Ken. Let them all know
that we DEMAND a comprehensive ordinance in Champaign
like the one that will pass in Urbana, especially if
Champaign goes along.

Overall, we need to remember that these people are OUR
government and it is NOT up to them to decide what
kind of ordinance they will “accept.”  We need to tell
them what kind of ordinance WE will accept! And
whatever you do, don’t make me use UPPERCASE again!!

Thanks from the Prez,

Scott

CU Smokefree!

www.cu-smokefree.org



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com