City passes no-smoking ordinance for Nacogdoches
Ordinance will be implemented in 60 days prohibiting smoking in or within 20 feet of public places
By: Marie Leonard
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
After the proposal was read, audience members in support of the ordinance were asked to voice their opinions.
"It's an emotional thing for many, and I encourage public discussion," Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn said.
Lisa King, a registered nurse in Nacogdoches, spoke in favor of the ordinance on behalf of children affected by secondhand smoke. "We always hear about rights of smokers, but we never hear about the rights of children," King said. "For the sake of the children, I ask you to consider this."
Dr. Catherine Lewis, Nacogdoches physician, also spoke in favor of the ordinance. "Nacogdoches prides itself on being the oldest town in Texas; let's not be the last to pass this ordinance," Lewis said.
Renee Wilson, Nacogdoches resident, spoke on behalf of her asthmatic son. "I'm not here to tell you about statistics," Wilson said. "I know smokers' intent is not to harm anyone, but if they knew it would be my child's last breath, I hope they would reconsider."
After the supporters spoke, the Commission allowed anyone against the ordinance to speak. "I just want an opportunity to have a cigarette," said Judy Allison, Nacogdoches resident. "In reference to the earlier points made about children, I don't see many children at the Sports Shack, The Anex or Banita's."
Zach Hill, Nacogdoches sophomore, collected more than 200 signatures from SFA students who were against the ordinance and also spoke against the ordinance at the meeting.
Adam Key, Spring graduate student, was also against the ordinance. " The city council turned a blind eye to other information," Key said. "It seems like the Council listened to personal issues versus reason."
Before the vote, Van Horn addressed the crowd. "We are here to do good things for the city of Nacogdoches," he said. "I want to assure you none of this was taken lightly."
The ban will go into effect in 60 days.
"It's an emotional thing for many, and I encourage public discussion," Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn said.
Lisa King, a registered nurse in Nacogdoches, spoke in favor of the ordinance on behalf of children affected by secondhand smoke. "We always hear about rights of smokers, but we never hear about the rights of children," King said. "For the sake of the children, I ask you to consider this."
Dr. Catherine Lewis, Nacogdoches physician, also spoke in favor of the ordinance. "Nacogdoches prides itself on being the oldest town in Texas; let's not be the last to pass this ordinance," Lewis said.
Renee Wilson, Nacogdoches resident, spoke on behalf of her asthmatic son. "I'm not here to tell you about statistics," Wilson said. "I know smokers' intent is not to harm anyone, but if they knew it would be my child's last breath, I hope they would reconsider."
After the supporters spoke, the Commission allowed anyone against the ordinance to speak. "I just want an opportunity to have a cigarette," said Judy Allison, Nacogdoches resident. "In reference to the earlier points made about children, I don't see many children at the Sports Shack, The Anex or Banita's."
Zach Hill, Nacogdoches sophomore, collected more than 200 signatures from SFA students who were against the ordinance and also spoke against the ordinance at the meeting.
Adam Key, Spring graduate student, was also against the ordinance. " The city council turned a blind eye to other information," Key said. "It seems like the Council listened to personal issues versus reason."
Before the vote, Van Horn addressed the crowd. "We are here to do good things for the city of Nacogdoches," he said. "I want to assure you none of this was taken lightly."
The ban will go into effect in 60 days.
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