Discussion is a good idea (07/13/07)

Jay County Commissioners weren't at all thrilled to have the question put to them, but they're right that it deserves an honest discussion.

When the Jay County Health Board urged the commissioners to take action to ban smoking in all public areas in the county, it was clear from their reaction that the commissioners weren't enthusiastic.

Both Milo Miller Jr. and Gary Theurer immediately expressed reservations about government intrusion and "dictating" rules for small businesses. For Miller, a Republican, and Theurer, a Democrat, the idea seemed to go against the grain.

But at the same time, Miller, Theurer, and fellow commissioner Faron Parr agreed the question merits consideration, discussion, and open debate.

The commissioners have already banned smoking on county-owned property such as the courthouse and the jail. The campus of Jay County Hospital is smoke-free, as are Jay County schools. In addition, a significant percentage of retail establishments and workplaces have already gone smoke-free.

So an outright ban is worth talking about from a public health standpoint.

At the same time, many feel we're living in an era when individual liberties are being chipped away and have no appetite for continuing that trend.

It's not a simple matter, and it's one that doesn't follow the usual divisions between political parties.

That's what makes the discussion - which begins with a public forum at the Jay County Courthouse auditorium Wednesday at 7 p.m. - so important. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]