Statewide Democrat candidate opposes smoking ban
By Brian Kirwin | Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 | Catch-AllPat Edmonson, Democrat running for Lieutenant Governor, issued a statement opposing the ban on smoking in restaurants.
“The smoking ban is simply not necessary, and I believe it is wrong to legislate smoking out of restaurants and bars for public health reasons while ignoring the significant public health risks presented by the consumption of alcohol.”
I think that makes her the only statewide Democratic candidate to side with the RPV Executive Board in opposing the ban.
Read her whole statement here
“Sometimes very well intentioned people attempt to put their good intentions into law. Usually this is a good thing, as laws that protect us and help create opportunity and prosperity are valuable. From time to time, however, good intentions can turn into something else. The smoking ban is simply not necessary, and I believe it is wrong to legislate smoking out of restaurants and bars for public health reasons while ignoring the significant public health risks presented by the consumption of alcohol.”
“The fact is that many restaurants in Virginia are already non-smoking, having adjusted their regulations in order to grow their businesses. Restaurants certainly have that right, and people who feel passionately about non smoking restaurants should frequent those facilities. I am happy that more and more restaurants are turning to non smoking policies. I do not believe, however, that the Commonwealth should pass laws that force restaurant owners’ hands on this question. If we do this for health reasons, then we are morally compelled to go after alcohol as well. The CDC has estimated that smoking caused an average of 12 years of lost life per user. Alcohol is estimated to cause an average of 30 years of lost life per user. We also must recognize that drunk driving deaths often affect others not associated with drinking. Therefore, the move to ban smoking represents a dangerous infringement on the civil liberties of Virginians, one that could lead to further erosion of the civil rights of adults. I think we can trust business owners to make decisions that best suit their clients, and I think we can trust ourselves to make decisions that are right for us and our children. If something is legal, and a restaurant owner wants to allow it, then so be it. ”
“I would strongly support tax credits for restaurants to build closed off, well ventilated smoking areas. I would also support legislation that protected workers from being forced to work in smoking areas. I simply do not believe the government should take a further step to prohibit otherwise legal activity.”
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About the author
The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
Comments
2 Responses to "Statewide Democrat candidate opposes smoking ban"
I liked what she basically said. Unfortunately, I’m still going to vote for Bolling. He’s a limited government fiscal conservative with a track record. I look forward to voting for Bolling yet again.
Even if Bolling took the opposite stance on this one issue and was a “passionate smoke hater” he’d earn forgiveness based of past performance.
If Pat Edmonson’s beliefs are similar on other issues she should have run against a RINO. She would’ve gotten my vote. Sorry, no vote splitting on this race.
Now that many states passed draconian bans stomping on vets clubs and small bars with little compliance, newer bans are becoming much more reasonable. After seeing many altercations in front of bars, kids getting more smoke than ever before at home, and small neighborhood bars choosing to ignore the ban or go out of business, we are learing that most people have no objections to bans at restaurants or PUBLIC places. If the bans were repealed, many businesses would probably choose to remain smoke free, making the bans a resounding success.
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