SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) High Noon for the proposed outside smoking ban at city-owned property in Sioux Falls is next Tuesday evening at City Council. Councilors have been getting a flood of citizen feedback in both directions in advance of the final vote.
The proposal would ban smoking outside city buildings, in city parks, and on city golf courses. It is strongly supported by the public health community.
Freshman Councilor Greg Neitzert says he was against the ban when it was first proposed. Now he is on the fence, hoping to hear from as many people as possible, including smokers.
"Love to hear from them. Calls, emails, whatever. I want to make sure that I've heard from everybody," says Neitzert. Neitzert says he see both sides, those who believe the ban will improve public health and those who feel it's another "nanny state initiative." But Neitzert calls himself a "big liberty guy."
Freshman Councilor Theresa Stehly has problems with the ban, as currently written.
"I'm hearing a great concern that this ban is going to criminalize, so to speak, tobacco users," says Stehly, in describing some of the feeback she is getting from citizens. Stehly expects attempts will be make next Tuesday to modify the proposed policy - perhaps removing the fine for smokers who are caught smoking on the golf course or wherever.
The proposed ban was unamiously approved on first reading, but Stehly says that was really an indication that council wanted to hear from the community. Both Stehly and Neitzert predict a close final vote on Tuesday.
"I think you may see a compromise. No matter what happens, I suspect the vote will be very close and it's always possible the Mayor will break the tie." predicts Neitzert.
