Re: City of "Fort Wayne" Indiana Smoking Ban- Please hear our voices!

This ordinance was passed behind closed doors by 9 local councilmen here in the small “thinking” city of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

*Excluding Councilman Thomas F. Didier-
Who “alone” stood by the Fort Wayne Businessman.
Didier voted against the non-smoking ordinance.
Keeping business IN Fort Wayne. Thank you.

It was not on a ballot for the people of Fort Wayne to vote on. When elected by the people of Fort Wayne, this was not on those 9 councilmen’s campaign to bring to Fort Wayne “IF elected”.

To those councilmen who voted for this to be passed behind closed doors-not open for the PEOPLE of Fort Wayne to vote on. Shame on you. You were voted into office by the people of Fort Wayne-to be a voice for the people of Fort Wayne-“Your “personal opinion” is NOT on the ballot. City officials are now making choices for everyone behind closed doors. The mayor (Graham Richards) going out of office had the power to veto this and did nothing.

It’s not really about the smoking or non-smoking at this point. Local people have put hard earned money into their establishment catering to customers that keep their doors open by supporting the business. Those “established” businesses as of June 1, 2007 should be exempt. Let them choose to be a smoking or non-smoking establishment.

The over 21 bars, nightclubs & private clubs. City of Fort Wayne Restaurants choosing to offer a “smoking area” for their patrons have already added the “required” smoking area forced by the city of Fort Wayne a while back. Costing those business owners over $100,000. They have now been told, too bad. You ARE now smoke free. You will get a one time tax break to offset your loss.

Although we would never wish any other city the “order to comply” to a smoking ban-
Why should one city gain business and one city loose business??

One mile down the road, outside the Fort Wayne City limits you will see signs, “Bring your BUTTS in here” advertised by cities choosing not to be added to the ordinance. They were given a choice.

Most states have opted to “exempt” the over 21 bars and private clubs. Or, if it was in place, they are now making the changes to “exempt” the over 21 adult bars, nightclubs & private clubs.

Established businesses should have the right to post outside their doors & advertise if they are a smoking or non-smoking establishment. Giving “adults” the choice to go in or not. We are quite capable of making that choice ourselves. Freedom of choice!

If it was enforced or passed “State Wide” or “Nationwide”-Businesses could compete.
Here in Fort Wayne, it’s only by city. Not even by county.

The Memorial Coliseum in “Allen County”. Located right in the middle of the non-smoking ordinance zone, is exempt!
City of Fort Wayne officials are picking and choosing who is and who is not exempt.

I suppose businesses “could” add a smoking area outside? If, the business man can afford to add on for their smoking patrons….again!
Careful, “micro-manager city council” may decide to include THAT new addition you’re about to add, with your own money into the NON-smoking ordinance as well.

Come build here-Why?

Once you put your hard earned money into opening a business, then the “CITY” will tell you how to run your business. They have nothing to loose.

Cigarettes are legal. However, here comes another cigarette tax. Instead of putting the extra tax to help those with no insurance-(there is one already in place by the way, Welfare). Perhaps give a tax break to someone who CHOOSES to open a non-smoking establishment.

Look around, businesses are already suffering. Have you noticed the gas prices? Not to mention the hefty gas tax added on top of that price here in Indiana. Great timing!

Here’s another example of elected state officials making their “personal choices” off the voters ballot. We already have a baseball diamond here in Fort Wayne. Now they want to tear that one down, (after colleting an additional tax-which would be paid off this year) and build a NEW baseball diamond downtown. Where there is no parking, one way streets and business dies after 5:00 PM. This is to cater to a new hotel wanting to come into town. The businesses that were on that spot have now been bought out & paid HEFTY money for their land. No vote-being led by Graham Richards, (Mayor going out of office).

We are all aware of the selling of the Indiana toll road outside the country by Governor Mitch Daniels. (Also up for re-election this year). His choice, also not included on the voting ballot.

Choose your battle has been good advice. I choose to say- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
If you stand for NOTHING, you fall for EVERYTHING!

It has come down to lawsuits & judges making decisions that should be made by the voters. Costing businesses MORE money.

There is a commercial stating, “Indiana is smoke free”. Not true, it’s not state wide.
If that were true, Fort Wayne businesses would not loose their patrons going one mile down the road outside the city limits.
The bottom line, smoking or not smoking-somewhere in America, in the small city of Fort Wayne Indiana-9 city councilmen took our right to vote.

That is Anti-American.

Would you please advise what direction the tax payers of Fort Wayne Indiana should take to be included in “Freedom of Choice” & how business owners in Fort Wayne Indiana can be on the same “level playing field”?

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Teri Marie

Fort Wayne buisnesses-you need to be heard. This will not go away when outside the city limit buisnesses are welcoming smokers. Make waves. Call, write & please blind copy letters sent to Councilman Thomas Didier. I am guessing "the other councilmen" will pretend they never got any mail/complaints. Include Graham Richards-Senator Dennis Kruse-Mitch Daniels. Lawsuits, please don't get caught on "second hand smoke" wording. This is UN-AMERICAN, Period!