Anderson City Council 9/11/8 - Full - Part 4

Anderson City Council President Newman again asked citizens to take no more than three minutes a piece and no more than 20 minutes in total. He didn't want to silence the citizens, but didn't want to go over issues already discussed.

Councilman Pepelea talked about findings and thoughts of his standing committee on the issue. He read a letter from Healthy, Tobacco-Free Madison County, Inc. He went on to explain the ordinance and the exemptions - for bars, Hoosier Park and a few other places.

Councilman Dixon asked about the Madison County Courthouse, a county owned building and whether they would have to smoke 25 feet from the building.

Councilman Davis asked who would enforce. City Attorney said it would be building commissioner. Her second question was about her husband's business and him not being able to smoke there. "Why Can't a man smoke in his own business?" she asked. City Attorney said he wasn't there to debate, but to help draft the ordinance. Councilman Davis added, "if you make it smoke-free, make it smoke-free for everyone." This elicited cheers from the blue-shirts in the crowd and a few calls of "Hoosier Park, Hoosier Park!"

Councilman Muir asked how the ordinance would affect Anderson Speedway, which allowed children on the property. It was said it would apply there.