By Randy S. Koniowka
This Story has also appeared in the Albany Times Union by the same author.
Lighting up in the Spindle City might get a lot more difficult if legislation being considered by the Cohoes City Council becomes law. The proposal would ban smoking in all city parks and playgrounds.
According to Sixth Ward Councilman Ralph Signoracci IV, the legislation’s sponsor, it’s the right thing to do. “I have been a smoker for several years, but as a father you see things differently.” Signoracci cites the fact that parks are riddled with cigarette butts and that children playing in a park should not be exposed to second hand smoke. “It’s a quality of life issue, and to me it’s common sense. Sometimes you need to make tough decisions because someone needs to speak up for the children.”
However, some on the Council feel that a local law banning smoking is not necessary and goes too far. “It’s not needed,” says Council President George Primeau. The problem I have with it is enforcement. Our police have much more serious things to be doing. And if you can’t enforce it, you’re wasting your time.”
Third Ward Councilman Fred Turcotte said he too has questions on how the proposed legislation will be enforced. “As a non smoker, I don’t have a problem with it, but my problem is enforcement. I’m not saying I could not be swayed, but we need to think about how this is going to be enforced. A ceremonial resolution might be a better way to go.”
Signoracci, however, is adamant that any legislation be legally binding. And that as far as enforcement, the community could police itself. “You can’t enforce all the laws all the time, but does that mean you don’t have laws? There are many laws on the books here in Cohoes like the pooper scooper law and the ethics code that are not enforced. But a thing like this, through education, signage and self awareness, the community can police itself.”
Cohoes would not be the first municipality in the area to enact anti smoking legislation. Schenectady, Colonie, Niskayuna and Rotterdam have all passed some form of legislation to adopt a non smoking policy for their parks and playgrounds. And there are nearly 200 municipalities across New York State that have also enacted some type of prohibitive legislation.
Judy Righytmyer of the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition, says that any legislation, whether ceremonial or legally binding, would have a tremendous impact. “It’s a social norm change.”
She contends that many of the communities in the Capital District that have already enacted legislation have seen success with it. “They have each found their own way forward.”
Rightmyer adds that she is confident this type of legislation can work in Cohoes. “Without a doubt, this can work in Cohoes. And the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition will assist the City any way we can, including providing signage for the parks.”
Many city residents, including Little League President Tony Savaria, think that the proposed legislation is a great idea. “I absolutely support it. What kind of message does it send to the kids when they look over and see people smoking?
Dorothy Young of Cohoes also supports the idea. “I smoked for 15 years. We are trying to promote healthy living here; it’s all about the kids.”
According to a 2009 survey conducted by Siena Research Institute, 80 percent of Albany County residents are in favor of smoke free playgrounds, with 48 percent in favor of smoke free parks.
However, there are some who are against any prohibitive legislation regarding smoking. Cohoes resident Anthony DiSisto thinks that it would be just be another intrusion by government on ones personal liberties. “I believe it would be ineffective, says DiSisto. “Government will never be able to legislate people’s behavior. It is up to the parents, not the government.”
Cohoes Mayor John McDonald says that while he does not disagree with the concept, he too has concerns about government going too far. “We are walking a fine line in taking peoples rights away; it is a very delicate balance. How far do you go in regulating behavior?”
As far as enforcement, McDonald stated that he is not prepared to add another burden to the police department. “I am not going to reassign cops to patrol the parks looking for smokers. My preference is for a resolution of support and then go from there. We need to balance this.”
The Common Council will take up the issue at it’s workshop on Tuesday, May 11th at 7pm in City Hall.
Lighting up in the Spindle City might get a lot more difficult if legislation being considered by the Cohoes City Council becomes law. The proposal would ban smoking in all city parks and playgrounds.
According to Sixth Ward Councilman Ralph Signoracci IV, the legislation’s sponsor, it’s the right thing to do. “I have been a smoker for several years, but as a father you see things differently.” Signoracci cites the fact that parks are riddled with cigarette butts and that children playing in a park should not be exposed to second hand smoke. “It’s a quality of life issue, and to me it’s common sense. Sometimes you need to make tough decisions because someone needs to speak up for the children.”
However, some on the Council feel that a local law banning smoking is not necessary and goes too far. “It’s not needed,” says Council President George Primeau. The problem I have with it is enforcement. Our police have much more serious things to be doing. And if you can’t enforce it, you’re wasting your time.”
Third Ward Councilman Fred Turcotte said he too has questions on how the proposed legislation will be enforced. “As a non smoker, I don’t have a problem with it, but my problem is enforcement. I’m not saying I could not be swayed, but we need to think about how this is going to be enforced. A ceremonial resolution might be a better way to go.”
Signoracci, however, is adamant that any legislation be legally binding. And that as far as enforcement, the community could police itself. “You can’t enforce all the laws all the time, but does that mean you don’t have laws? There are many laws on the books here in Cohoes like the pooper scooper law and the ethics code that are not enforced. But a thing like this, through education, signage and self awareness, the community can police itself.”
Cohoes would not be the first municipality in the area to enact anti smoking legislation. Schenectady, Colonie, Niskayuna and Rotterdam have all passed some form of legislation to adopt a non smoking policy for their parks and playgrounds. And there are nearly 200 municipalities across New York State that have also enacted some type of prohibitive legislation.
Judy Righytmyer of the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition, says that any legislation, whether ceremonial or legally binding, would have a tremendous impact. “It’s a social norm change.”
She contends that many of the communities in the Capital District that have already enacted legislation have seen success with it. “They have each found their own way forward.”
Rightmyer adds that she is confident this type of legislation can work in Cohoes. “Without a doubt, this can work in Cohoes. And the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition will assist the City any way we can, including providing signage for the parks.”
Many city residents, including Little League President Tony Savaria, think that the proposed legislation is a great idea. “I absolutely support it. What kind of message does it send to the kids when they look over and see people smoking?
Dorothy Young of Cohoes also supports the idea. “I smoked for 15 years. We are trying to promote healthy living here; it’s all about the kids.”
According to a 2009 survey conducted by Siena Research Institute, 80 percent of Albany County residents are in favor of smoke free playgrounds, with 48 percent in favor of smoke free parks.
However, there are some who are against any prohibitive legislation regarding smoking. Cohoes resident Anthony DiSisto thinks that it would be just be another intrusion by government on ones personal liberties. “I believe it would be ineffective, says DiSisto. “Government will never be able to legislate people’s behavior. It is up to the parents, not the government.”
Cohoes Mayor John McDonald says that while he does not disagree with the concept, he too has concerns about government going too far. “We are walking a fine line in taking peoples rights away; it is a very delicate balance. How far do you go in regulating behavior?”
As far as enforcement, McDonald stated that he is not prepared to add another burden to the police department. “I am not going to reassign cops to patrol the parks looking for smokers. My preference is for a resolution of support and then go from there. We need to balance this.”
The Common Council will take up the issue at it’s workshop on Tuesday, May 11th at 7pm in City Hall.
Stay out of people's lives.
ReplyDeleteWorry about something important.
The police have enough worries. Apparently we have councilmen with nothing better to do.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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