Wayne Engle, Madison Courier Staff Writer
Madison’s proposed anti-smoking ordinance has drawn relatively little public comment, members of the city council said last night. But when the council discusses the ordinance at its Jan. 17 meeting, that may change.
“I want to be sure people do know that the ordinance is out there,” Mayor Al Huntington told the council. “We’re not hearing very much feedback ... But I’m hoping people will come that night and speak.”
The ordinance, which is currently tabled, will regulate smoking in public places and places of employment in Madison, if it is passed. Madison would become just the latest in a line of U.S. cities which have been placing strict limits on smoking in public places where it might affect the health of non-smokers.
Councilman Don Joslin said he was “a little bit surprised at some of the positive feedback we’re getting” to the proposal to limit public smoking.
“We’re in uncharted waters here. I think we’ll just have to see where it goes,” the mayor replied.
Councilman David Carlow added, “I feel like it’s going to be an emotional meeting, for or against ... If we have some rather lengthy meetings because of it, then that’s part of the process.”
Councilman Jim Lee said, “I don’t think it’s a driving force in the community, and that’s why we haven’t gotten very much feedback.” But Lee said he thinks that public comments will become more vocal “as people realize that we’re serious about this.”
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