Council action reflective of social climate

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May 5, 2010

Anonymous CNHI The Tahlequah Daily Press Wed May 05, 2010, 10:13 AM CDT

TAHLEQUAH — Two actions taken by the Tahlequah City Council Monday night may seem to stand in stark contrast, but both decisions reflect a changing social environment and a far-reaching view of what will most benefit the city.

First, councilors unanimously approved an ordinance that bans tobacco use of any kind in city parks. Then, on a split vote that required a tie-breaker from Mayor Ken Purdy in tandem with Councilors Jason Nichols and Jack Spears, they agreed to allow the sale of beer in Norris Park during the Speed Wheel Bike Race.

At initial glance, it might be tempting to ask why one “vice” is being allowed, while another is prohibited. But that would be an apples-to-oranges comparison. Science has proved smoking is bad for one’s health, and second-hand smoke may be just as dangerous. On the other hand, beer and other types of alcohol, when consumed in moderation, pose no such problems.

The tobacco ban will no doubt be controversial, but it’s a practical move on several levels. Not only does it make strides in protecting public health, it also should help keep the parks cleaner. Unsightly cigarette butts and wads of chewing tobacco on sidewalks and in the grass are not appealing to visitors. And since a group of young people – Students Working Against Tobacco – constituted the prime movers and shakers behind the measure, what sort of message would older adults be sending in refusing compliance with their sensible suggestion?

A few years ago, the Daily Press staff conducted an informal survey to determine if local residents would support such a ban on tobacco. More than 75 percent thought it was a good idea, and that number included many smokers. A similar number of people supported the occasional and limited sale of alcoholic beverages at city venues. Some respondents even noted they themselves did not approve of consuming alcohol, mainly for religious reasons, but they did not want to impose their views on others. Only a small handful of individuals acknowledged the desire to bend society to their own moral or ethical rules.

There are a number of reasons for allowing the controlled sale of alcoholic beverages during certain events, but the economic angle is the most important. Also, when a majority of participants prefer to imbibe, it’s only logical the host city provide them with what they want. Just about every other city in the U.S. has tossed the notion of total temperance out the window, and Tahlequah should be no different. Even the most family-oriented place in the country, Walt Disney World, serves alcoholic beverages everywhere but in the Magic Kingdom.

Besides, as Spears pointed out, we can point to a precedent: last year’s bike race. No problems arose then, and with proper policing, the same should hold true this year.

Police Chief Clay Mahaney may be right when he says enforcing the tobacco ordinance may be more challenging, especially when it comes to smokeless tobacco. But still, it’s good place to start, and we commend the council for taking the step to make the parks a good place for everyone to play.

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