From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Wed, 05/10/06
Bloomington (IL) and Normal (IL) Vote to Go Smokefree
Parts excerpted from Pantagraph.com, 5/9/06
BLOOMINGTON (IL) -- On Monday, the Bloomington, Illinois City Council voted 5-4
in favor of comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation, including restaurants
and bars. The legislation mirrors the recent law passed in Normal, Illinois,
except that Normal's law also includes outdoor parks and concerts.
Bloomington Aldermen Kevin Huette, Skip Crawford, Mike Matejka and John Hanson
voted in favor of the comprehensive proposal with the outdoor exemption, pushing
the issue to a tie. Mayor Steve Stockton cast the tie-breaking vote to approve
the proposal. The law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2007, the same day as the one
approved by the Normal City Council.
"Out of all the compromises proposed, the outdoor exemption was the only one we
could agree to," said Dr. John Krueger from a local coalition lobbying for the
smokefree law. The Normal City Council took the extra step by adding outdoor
public assemblies, he added.
To send a letter in support of smokefree air where YOU live, go to
www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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