Medora mayor drops smoking ban ordinance

Talk about it

Medora Mayor Doug Ellison didn’t want people smoking in public places and in area businesses but he said Tuesday there’s not enough local support for a ban and is dropping a proposed ordinance.

“After talking with residents and businesses I think it’s too divisive of an issue right now,” he said. “I’d like a little more local support before we pursue it.”

“I’m glad he withdrew the ordinances,” said Olie Golberg, Knotty Pine Bar owner. “With all the opposition I would have been surprised if he didn’t.”

Withdrawing the ordinance gives the City Council more time to see what the community needs are, said Bobbie Olson, Southwest District Health Unit tobacco prevention and control coordinator.

“It’s always nice to have community input and with this ordinance moving so fast I think people just wanted a little more say on the issue” she said.

Ellison said he felt there was confusion on what the ordinances were about.

“Some thought it was like nonsmoking within city limits and that’s not true,” Ellison said.

The ordinance was going to affect city property but not private property, Ellison said. After people began talking rumors grew that smoking would be banned within city limits.

“Even work place smoking is an emotional issue,” Ellison said.

Olson says second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable deaths.

“I commend the city commission for even looking at the issue, it shows they care about the health of the people living and visiting in the community,” she said.

Ellison plans to focus his efforts at a later date.

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