First of all: CONGRATS to Mayor Sullivan on budget analysis! And, thanks to the person who cleaned my walk of snow. There are a lot of good people here! And, re: an item in the paper Re: the on-line Represent us, there is another informative fact finder dailykos.com
In watching the Council meeting a couple of things need to be mentioned. Councilor at Large Allie, hold on to your hat, here I go agreeing with you again! This time on the tobacco issue. I too would have preferred specific locations requesting an ordinance change particular to their facility. First let me clarify a few things on the subject. I am a cigar smoker. I used to smoke cigarettes. I never smoked in a restaurant, as I too did not want the smell of burnt tobacco to mix with my meal and I always chose to RESPECT the concerns 0f others in my smoking. But, I do feel a need for some MUTUAL accommodation and consideration. First of all it is legal bad habit as are alcohol, many foods, and car and truck exhaust, and industrial pollution. It also irks me that our taxes go to pay for tobacco production. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin. And, believe it or not some people just like to smoke. So, whether addicted, or by choice; being legal, and tax subsidized, give us a break. I have had to walk a good distance to stand out in the cold and the rain to take a few drags. This may be a good way to stop tobacco smoking; by killing off smokers, but…. Often places can be created to accommodate this habit.
Next, speaking of smoking; marijuana is legal. When I was on the Council and this issue was just starting up, I suggested that it would pass, and we should prepare in advance. Have you? While the State has to come up with the rules of conduct with this and one in city government and law enforcement know this is going to be messy. Other states have adapted, and so too must we. But, it won’t be pretty, especially for them if we don’t look at city ordinances to fit the local uniqueness’s. You know you will hear complaints from constituents about the guy next door on his porch smoking, and I have to walk pass there… Or, they are in their back yard smoking and the smoke is coming into my yard! Tenants can’t smoke if the owner says they can’t as with tobacco, but what if the home owner lives there and she wants to smoke? We have a lot of college renters in Westfield who may be over 21, and they have a back yard party? What if someone under 21 procures it and smokes, what are the local penalties? Soon, there will be devices to detect intoxication are we prepared to budget for this as soon as available? What about just walking around high, and not consuming? And, I know that the state will miss some issues that the city will have to deal with; are we doing any brainstorming on this to be ahead of this curve?
Lastly, I hate to rain on the mayor well deserved tax break parade PAY ATTENTION to Washington. For years Republican leadership has wanted to get rid of some Departments, as Education, Environmental Protection, and others that they believed infringed upon business. And, using the more Libertarian position of if you want it you pay for it; I am concerned. And, to make good on reducing the size and expense of government: not only would an end to, as example, The Dept. of Ed. or the EPA; as imposing themselves into local responsibilities, but so too would a lot of funds to the State will be cut. Your thoughts?
Your former Ward 3 City Councilor Brian Hoose [email protected]
