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SUNNY Temp: 89 °F Wind: W at 11 mph Friday, June 14, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Cyberchef E The People Golf Job Network Headbone Zone Wellness Connection Movie Times Newspaper in Education Oregon CarZone Outdoor Journal Personals Prime Times Real Estate Tempo A & E TV Times W3 Magazine CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Destinations Automotive Communities Employment Entertainment Publications Real Estate Recreation Shopping Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Jobs @ Mail Tribune Email Story to a Friend June 8, 2002 State smoking ban ignites county debate Commission members against proposal to enlist enforcement officer to respond to public requests By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune The idea of using a Jackson County employee to police people lighting up in the workplace has Commissioner Ric Holt all fired up. "I will fight this until my dying day," said Holt, a cigarette smoker. "I agree with the smoking ban but I’ll be damned if we go out and be smoke cops." Holt suggested that people offended by public smokers are free to avoid the businesses where they are found. Commissioner Jack Walker suggested that if an employee is offended by smoking in the workplace, he or she could look for another job. Health and Human Services Director Hank Collins made the proposal to bring in or train a smoking enforcement officer to cite people who violate the state law that prohibits smoking at most places of business. The law applies to everything from markets to offices to restaurants. It exempts bars, taverns, tobacco shops, bowling centers, bingo parlors and private homes. Collins proposes paying for an enforcement position by using some of the $200,000 the county annually receives from the state’s cigarette tax. That money is usually earmarked for tobacco prevention and education programs. "There is no public health action that would go further to protect the health of the citizens than that piece of legislation," Collins said of the anti-smoking law. "It’s critical that it be enforced effectively." The idea of a smoking cop sparks anger among people like Medford resident Mike Rule, who manages a local Purple Parrot. Rule — an occasional smoker who’s trying to kick the habit — said taxes should be spent in more productive ways. "I think that people should have the right to do what they want in their businesses," he said, and added that he’s not against laws that protect minors from buying tobacco or protecting them from second-hand smoke. However, Rule said he fears that government regulation is going too far. "There’s really no end to it. Sooner or later we have to draw a line," he added. The health department has received more than a dozen complaints from residents regarding smoking in workplaces. Collins would not release the names of the alleged violators. But the county is helpless to enforce the law since there are no procedures governing the process in place. The state health office is currently working on adopting administrative rules, Collins said. If proposed rules are approved by the state attorney general’s office, Collins said the county could then request jurisdiction from the state to police violators. At that time, Collins said he would make a formal request to the commissioners regarding an enforcement officer. County Administrator Sue Slack told commissioners about Collins’ proposal during their weekly staff meeting on Thursday. Collins was not present. Commissioner Sue Kupillas was supportive of the idea, and said employees have the right to work in a smoke-free environment. "They have to quit their job in order not to breathe smoke," said Kupillas, a non-smoker. "People have a right to not work in those conditions." Commissioner Walker, an occasional cigar smoker, is on vacation and did not attend the meeting. Friday, Walker said he needs more information regarding the proposal before forming an opinion but added that he opposes infringing on the rights of private businesses. "I’ve just never been one who thinks we can regulate everything. Where do we go next after enforcing smoking regulations? Do we start enforcing people who chew gum?" he asked. "I just do not feel it should be up to government." Holt said if patrons are unhappy because somebody is smoking in a restaurant, there are plenty of places they can go in Southern Oregon where smoking is not tolerated. "They can get up and god——d leave," Holt said. Walker said if an employee is unhappy with their working conditions because the boss lights up inside, they should leave as well. "Then I guess they’ve got a right to go work for someone else," Walker said. "I guess maybe you want to get another job." Kaaren Borsting is a member of the Jackson County Tobacco Free Coalition. Although she does not know enough about the proposal to form an opinion, Borsting said she supports enforcing the state ban. "I know that for a few establishments, enforcement is an issue," Borsting said. "Do I think people should be encouraged to obey the law? Certainly." Collins said its too early to map out a job description or details. "It’s not worked out as to how the enforcement would be done because we don’t have the right to do that yet," he added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S