In recent years, Kansas has seen the debate over smoking in public places at the forefront in several cities. Topeka and Manhattan were two of the last cities in the state to ban smoking in public spaces. While there is certainly a public health issue to be raised, how far are we going to let the state play Nanny to us all?So who is heading up the effort to repeal the smoking ban? The Libertarian Party of Kansas.
Topekan Gail Trembley, who announced last week she was starting the drive, said Libertarian Party members will seek support from business owners while she plans to work with other volunteers to focus on getting petition signatures from private citizens...If you live in Topeka and registered to vote, you can contact Gail Trembley at southerndrawlcountry@yahoo.com for more information. And check out this article from Reason magazine. It's from 2006, but rings true today. The title is "The Race to Ban What's Bad For Us". Bans may start with smoking, but in some places, the state has taken the liberty to ban trans fat acids in restaurants and smoking even outside of restaurants and other establishments. Believe us, the government can come up with any "reason" to do "what's best for us".
Local officials say the petition to force a vote must contain the signatures of at least 5,744 registered Topeka voters, which would be equal to 25 percent of the number who cast ballots at the last municipal general election on April 7. Anyone registered to vote in Topeka may sign a petition. (STORY)
What do you think about all the smoking bans taking place in restaurants and bars? Does the public health issue trump the rights of property owners every time?
