Where there's a Will, there's a way

Anyone who is following the news lately knows that the County Board passed the ordinance to ban public smoking in unincorporated areas of Sangamon County. I favor the ban and was happy to see it passed. The incumbent in my district voted against the ban.

I was surprised at my opponents vote against the ban. Since the ban only applies to the county, it won't affect any businesses in District 22. I feel that a county ban will help Springfield restaurants and bars by removing a competitive disadvantage they would have faced against county establishments. A vote against the ban could only hurt local establishments like Bernie & Betty's and the Track Shack who might have lost customers to business in rural Sangamon County where smoking would have remained legal. The County Board's action to ban public smoking in the county helps level the playing field for Springfield.

There was a proposed "compromise" my opponent voted for that would have allowed any establishment with a liquor license to buy a smoking license. There are some compromises I would consider supporting, but this one was so broad that it equates to almost no smoking ban at all. It would have exempted every bar and most restaurants in the county.

I know there are many people who disagree with me but the fact that my opponent and I have taken opposite positions on this issue makes me glad I chose to run for this office. People deserve a choice on Election Day and this year they will have one.