Mayor Kelly, his lackies on the council and his business buddies don't want a regional or statewide smoking ban. They don't want a ban at all.
"Charles Senkler, owner of Fabulous Fern's Bar and Grill on Selby Avenue, said he'll turn his attention to trying to shape the oft-mentioned but as-yet-undefined "regional approach." He said he wants bars and restaurants to be able to choose from a variety of alternatives to going completely smoke-free ..." Mayor Kelly says "I believe it's not a matter of 'if' a ban occurs, but 'when' and 'how.'" What do think "how" means in this context? Since Kelly clearly is making his decision on the basis of what the bar owners want, I would have to assume that the "how" of a ban means something like an exemption for bars. Before the vote all we heard was that a ban should be regional or statewide. Now they've upped the ante and will oppose even a statewide ban. The Mayor talks a lot about leadership but, on this issue at least, he's failed miserably. St. Paul could have led the way to a statewide ban. Instead we see him listening to people who run some of the sleaziest businesses in the city. Imagine putting the perceived interests of a dive like Keenen's above the public health. What a disgrace! I still think the real problem places like Costello's and Fern's has with the idea of a ban is that without all the cigarette smoke to dull peoples' taste buds they might have to start serving edible food. Charlie Swope Ward 1 _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
