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County says 'no' to smoking ban At Tuesday's monthy meeting, the Wayne County Board of Supervisors heard from several speakers who addressed the a proposed local law pertaining to smoking in restaurants, bingo halls and other areas. Mike Santelli, owner of Trombino's Restaurant in Lyons, a member of the original ad-hoc task force formed to draft a law, listed several objections that he and fellow restaurant owners wanted to be made clear to the board. Santelli indicated that the real issue was between small business owners of Wayne County versus what he called well-funded lobbyists out to control local entities. Santelli felt that the current state law works well. "Prohibition didn't work before, and it won't work now," said Santelli. Dr. John M. Davis of Newark, an internist since 1961, said that 50-60 percent of his practice is made up of smoking-related ailments, and lung cancer is now the #1 health problem in the country. This makes smoking-related diseases an economic issue. ETS, (Second Hand Smoke) was on the mind of Wayne County resident Chuck DeMinck, who referred to studies that show ETS being connected with increasing cases of asthma, and crib death (SIDS). He went on to admit, however, that he was not in favor of laws of this type and felt that a public hearing was in order. George Weidemer, a Monroe County Legislator who also owns a restaurant supply company, also favored a public hearing on the smoking matter. Since Monroe County has enacted a law of its own, he knows of no restaurant that has gone out of business and, in fact, felt that business had increased in some establishments. A group of young adults known as the Lyons TAG Group (Talented and Gifted) also spoke in favor of a public forum on the issue. The Board of Supervisors went on to take care of other county business, authorizing bill payments, contracts to be let, and job vacancies to be filled. When item 11-16 came up on the agenda, it was time for the supervisors to stand up and be counted. The resolution at hand would set a public hearing on the proposed law. Walworth Supervisor Frank Guelli made a motion scheduling a public hearing for June 21, 1999. In discussion on the matter, Sodus supervisor Donna Chittenden indicated that she had heard enough on the proposal, and felt that she had already attended a hearing (referring to the number of speakers in attendance). Lyons Supervisor Jim Fabino says smoking enforcement should start at home. "Let's get the public involved," said Guelli, calling both points of discussion moot. The motion to hold a public hearing on the matter failed to pass, therefore no local law proposal could continue. Weighted vote on the matter was 2233 against a public hearing, and 1550 for; with 206 votes absent (Galen Supervisor Louis DeLiso). An angry Guelli then announced that he would not go to any Wayne County restaurant until it was smoke free. A simple majority was required to support the motion for a public hearing on the smoking law. Supervisors voting yes to conduct the hearing were supervisors Guelli (Walworth), William Eddy (Macedon), Monica Deyo (Marion), Roy Herrmann (Ontario), and Mary Ann Bliek. Voting no were Fabino (Lyons), Chittenden (Sodus), Dom Bartucca (Arcadia), Dave Spickerman (Butler), Allyn Guerin (Huron), Dave Lyon (Palmyra), Carm Pascarella (Rose), Don Colvin (Savannah), and Marv Decker (Wolcott). Colvin said after Tuesday's meeting, "We in Wayne County are not allowed to set our own speed limits. What are we doing getting involved in this?" Copyright © 1999 |
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