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Central Point set to vote on smoking ban By SARA MURPHY CENTRAL POINT -- The City Council, despite facing a possible recall of some members, is expected to adopt a controversial anti-smoking ordinance this week. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall. If approved, the ordinance would ban smoking in most enclosed spaces open to the public, including restaurants, taxis and meeting rooms. Exempted would be private homes, bars, motel rooms and tobacco stores. The ordinance was introduced two weeks ago at a hearing attended by about 200 people, including dozens of Crater High School students. After listening to nearly two hours of public testimony, the council voted 5-1 in favor. Ordinance proposals must be voted on twice before being adopted. Hours before that meeting, recall petitions were taken out against Mayor Bill Walton and council members David Gilmour and Donna Higginbotham. The recall effort is "going wonderful," said Larry Thornton, owner of Old Center Cafe and chief petitioner for the recall. "We've got people coming in here by the droves." Thornton, who said he's been working on the recall for several months, said it's about attitudes, not the smoking ban. "It's their rudeness," he said. "If you're in opposition with this guy (Walton), he'll insult you. All three of them will." Despite opposition to the anti-smoking ordinance, city officials expect Thursday's meeting to move along quickly, since it's a second reading and there won't be additional public testimony. If approved, the ordinance would also require tobacco retailers to purchase a $10 license from the city each year. The business could be fined or its license revoked if found in violation of city laws. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA