Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Proposed Muskegon County smoking ordinance fails to pass; only two officials in support

Proposed Muskegon County smoking ordinance fails to pass; only two officials in support | MLive.com
MUSKEGON, MI – A proposed amendment to Muskegon County’s smoking ordinance failed to pass on Tuesday, allowing residents, employees and visitors to continue using tobacco on county property.
The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners voted 4-2 on Feb. 25 to reject proposed changes to existing regulations that prohibit smoking inside county buildings.
Ken Mahoney and Bob Scolnik voted for the measure, while Rillastine Wilkins, Terry Sabo, Ben Cross and Susie Hughes voted against it.
During the roll call, Commissioner Charles Nash opted to abstain from voting after taking a few seconds to make a decision.
......Mahoney and Scolnik, on the other hand, suggested the government take a leadership role and help the region reach the wellness goals set by the One in 21 Healthy Muskegon County effort.
Scolnik said the county owns only a very small portion of the property in the region and the ordinance would not have affected people’s lives in a significant manner.
“All we’re doing is sending a message that smoking is bad for you. The hospitals are doing it. Colleges are doing it. Schools are doing it. I think it’s a good thing. My dad died from lung cancer and he smoked most of his life,” Scolnik said.

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