Document text
Smoking ban wins first OK Central Point's ex-mayor begins recall campaign By BILL KETTLER CENTRAL POINT -- The City Council approved a tough anti-smoking ordinance Thursday, hours after a campaign began to recall Mayor Bill Walton and at least one City Council member. The council voted 5-1 to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants, banks, bowling lanes, and workplaces. Businesses that sell tobacco would have to buy a $10 city license, which could be revoked if the business violates state laws that prohibit tobacco sales to minors. Smoking will still be allowed in bars, private residences and rented rooms designated for smokers. News of the recall campaign surfaced quietly during Councilman Dr. David Gilmour's remarks supporting the ordinance. "I know a few people out there are going to have a recall campaign against three of us," he said. "That's fine." During a break in the meeting, former mayor Rusty McGrath said recall petitions had been taken out against Gilmour and Walton. He said documents also would be filed to recall Councilwoman Donna Higginbotham. "Some of us have had enough, and it's not over smoking," said McGrath. "It's our rights." Walton defeated McGrath to become Central Point's mayor in November 1998. Higginbotham and Gilmour were elected to the council in the same election, unseating two council members who regularly supported McGrath. Anticipating a large crowd, the council had moved its deliberations to Crater High School's student center. More than 200 people, including dozens of Crater students, heard impassioned arguments for and against the ordinance. Many students wore shirts advocating "Tobacco-Free Jackson County," and several student-made signs supporting the ordinance decorated the walls. Opponents of the ordinance asked the council to protect smokers' rights to smoke and to allow businesses to choose whether to allow smoking. "We don't like being told by anyone, especially the government, what we can and can't do," said Curt Chancler. "We're looking up the constitutionality of what you're doing." "Let the people of Central Point decide whether they want to attend smoking establishments," said Glenna Thornton, owner of The Old Center Cafe. "It's not your job." Supporters asked council members to defend their right to avoid inhaling second-hand smoke and encourage young people to shun tobacco. "If people want to smoke, they should do it where it won't affect other people," said Dennis Richardson. "As community leaders you're supposed to set examples for us," said Addie Wiersma, a sophomore at Crater High School. The recall petitions charge that Gilmour and Walton have lost the citizens' confidence and are not acting in the best interests of the citizens. City Administrator Jim Bennett said McGrath would need to gather about 150 voters' signatures to force a recall election for Gilmour and Higginbotham, and about 500 signatures for Walton. If the petitioners gather enough signatures, the recall targets would have five days to respond to the charges or resign. If they do not resign, the city must schedule an election within 35 days. After the meeting, Walton said he did not expect the recall campaign to succeed. "I think the people of this city are far too educated to adhere to this," he said. "Anybody can take out recall papers." Councilwoman Carol Fischer cast the lone vote against the ordinance. Fischer suggested voters should have the right to decide the issue. Under the city charter, the council must vote twice to approve a new ordinance. The council agreed to hear the ordinance again at its Jan 27 meeting. If the council approves the ordinance then, the anti-smoking regulations would take effect 30 days later. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA