Sunday, July 16 2006
BLOOMSBURG, PA - The Bloomsburg Town Council wants smokers to butt out of a park there. There is a plan to post signs telling people not to smoke in part of Town Park.
Brittany Bankes has smoked for about four years. She's used to non-smokers letting her know how they feel. She said a lot of people will cough dramatically when they walk by her just to get a point across.
"I think that's rude. It's someone else's choice to smoke. They shouldn't be rude about it," Bankes said.
But when the flood damage at Town Park in Bloomsburg is cleaned up there will be signs posted telling people not to smoke in the Kidsburg section. Clinical Outcomes Group is spearheading the effort. The non-profit provides tobacco education in six central Pennsylvania counties.
"I'm not asking you to quit if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you to do that. I'm just asking that for the hour you're going to be at the park maybe you can not smoke so it doesn't effect other people. Give people who don't smoke the right to choose," said Kelly Ann Pegg, a Tobacco Coordinator with the group.
The ban won't be an official ordinance or law and smoking at the park will not lead to any punishment. Organizers called it more of an educational move.
"It's not just about the second hand smoke. When you go to Town Park and kids are seeing older people smoke it becomes a little more acceptable for them," Pegg added.
Bloomsburg resident Jason Reynolds takes his son Lucas,4, to the park every now and again. Reynolds loves the idea of a smoking ban.
"People need to be respectful to other people. People have a choice of whether they smoke or not but need to be respectful of those who don't like smoking," Reynolds said.
Even some smokers like Bankes said they would abide by the signs once they go up.
"I think if you're on the outskirts of the park not near anyone, it shouldn't be a problem. I agree you shouldn't smoke near the kids," Bankes added.
The no smoking signs have been ordered. They will need final approval from the Bloomsburg Town Council before they are posted at the park.
Source: Andy Hirsch of WNEP-TV 16 News, in Moosic, PA
Published: Wednesday, July 12, 2006
