COUNTY COMMISSIONER GARY LINDSTROM IS THE ONE POLITICIAN WHO HAS IT RIGHT

I am writing in response to the smoking ban issue. Clearly, County
Commissioner Gary Lindstrom is the one politician who has it right.

I also couldn't disagree with Silverthorne Mayor Lou DelPiccolo and Frisco
Mayor Bob Moscatelli more. This in not an issue of free choice. Tobacco is
a dangerous drug that seems to escape prohibition - although I agree with
the Silverthorne mayor that all drugs probably should be legal.

Everyone should have the right to smoke if they choose, they just shouldn't
have the right to subject me, their spouse, their children or anyone else
to second-hand smoke - a proven killer.

California got it right. This is a workplace safety issue. Clearly, there
are some employers in this county who feel their customers are more
important than the health and safety of their employees - and that is too
bad. If legislation makes all workplaces smoke-free, then no employer will
have to worry that his business is going next door just so customers can smoke.

Furthermore, most politicians seem to have a jaded view here. Like my
workplace, their workplaces are smoke-free by legislation or executive
order so they really don't know about the issue first-hand.

Employees shouldn't have to worry that their health in the hands of public
opinion or referendum. The county commissioners should just get it over
with. This is something that is past due. We are a progressive community
and, furthermore, one where health and recreation are paramount.

Clearly only a small percentage of locals actually smoke, so this shouldn't
be much of an issue.

Travis Bennett
Blue River