The Norman Transcript

Opinion

Discussion

February 9, 2013

Governor’s tobacco push gaining allies

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — The plan to restore local control to cities and towns regarding tobacco use in public places came close to passage in the state legislature in 2012. It will likely get closer this year as Gov. Mary Falllin’s backing of the measure is gaining support statewide.

This week, the Oklahoma State Alliance of YMCAs came out in support of the legislation as did Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. Ten cities and towns — none in Cleveland County — have passed resolutions in support of the changes.

The change would allow cities and towns to pass laws regarding tobacco use that are more restrictive than state laws. Currently, state law takes precedence. Cities that want to further restrict smoking in businesses, restaurants, bars and other public areas are kept from doing so.

States that have passed locals laws and ordinances have experienced a decline in tobacco use rates and have saved millions of dollars and thousands of lives. The Oklahoma State Board of Health and TSET Board of Directors also have passed resolutions in support of restoring local rights that allow cities to pass smokefree workplace ordinances.

Chief opponents of any change are convenience store chains that don’t want to deal with a multitude of laws as they operate in various communities. The support of the YMCAs is part of the organization’s embracing Health People 2020, a federal initiative to create a healthier America. A specific goal is to decrease the number of children who begin to use tobacco.

The Oklahoma State Board of Health and TSET Board of Directors also have passed resolutions in support of restoring local rights that allow cities to pass smokefree workplace ordinances.

For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Opinion
  • Crazy Kim and the Tippy Twos

    Kim Jong Un certainly seems crazy. But sound mind isn’t a requirement for predictable action. Tyrants often mask steady goals with wild behavior. One need only think of world pests like Fidel Castro and Saddam Hussein to realize entire ...

    May 21, 2013

  • Relying on private prisons

    Oklahoma began contracting to place inmates in private prisons during Gov. Frank Keating’s administration in 1995. Today, more than 5,000, or 23 percent, of our inmates are in the custody of three private prisons....

    May 21, 2013

  • Thanks for warnings

    We can’t say there wasn’t enough warning this time around....

    May 21, 2013

  • Pesky employees at it again

    Editor, The Transcript: I just read the letter to the editor complaining that the Republican Party has apparently cornered the market on gall with their investigation of the Ben Ghazi incident. If gall indicates a search for the truth, ...

    May 21, 2013

  • U.S. must address shootings

    Editor, The Transcript: This is sent in reply to the letter from Earl Herfurth regarding Second Amendment rights. Certainly, the Second Amendment is an important part of America’s history, but the argument set forth in support of gun ...

    May 20, 2013

  • Republican Party has unmitigated gall

    Editor, The Transcript: When it comes to unmitigated gall, the Republican Party has no equal. Take the current Benghazi hearings, for example. This is nothing but a political charade aimed at the 2014 election and Hillary Clinton’s ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Airline changes coming

    In the airlines business, time is money. American Airlines wants to try and speed up its boarding process. Passengers who travel with only a personal item such as a purse or a brief case can now get on first....

    May 19, 2013

  • SEC should act on conflicts

    Money talks. In the continuing dispute over the all-too-cozy relationship between the people who create and sell financial products and the people who rate their risk, the money says: Shut up and let us do what we want....

    May 19, 2013

  • We all deserve better

    The tough treatment of the Tea (Taxed Enough Already) party and other conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service is being assailed by leaders of both political parties....

    May 19, 2013

  • John Tullius’ cartoon is wrong about education

    Editor, The Transcript: John Tullius’ last Saturday cartoon has jumped up and stepped right on my toes, along with, I suspect, the toes of teachers and school personnel all over town: “Growing up — we learned good morals, values and ...

    May 19, 2013