ESCANABA -- The city of Escanaba is considering passing a controversial anti-smoking ordinance. It’ll prevent people from smoking within 100 feet of playgrounds and baseball fields.
Mike Schubert has two kids, and he's tried to quit smoking more times than he can count. The proposed smoking law may affect parents, like Mike, especially if they want to have a smoke while their kids are out at a playground.
“Well, I think that children look up to adults and to mentors,” said Tom Penegor, Director of the Escanaba Recreation Department. “And I think it's important that we set kids a good example."
The proposal was recommended by the Citizens' Environmental Advisory Committee but was spearheaded by Penegor.
The Public Health Clinic of Delta and Menominee County initially asked about how they could make Harbor Hideout playground in Ludington Park smoke-free.
But why stop there? Instead, the proposal targets kid-populated areas: six baseball fields and nine city playgrounds.
But will the new rule curb smoking and the amount of cigarette butts that are left near these areas?
“I think so,” Penegor said. “I think it would be helpful. How much, I don't know. But anytime you make a decision to help your youth to improve the environment that they're in, I think that's always a positive."
People will still be able to smoke outside businesses on Ludington Street. But the anti-smoking ordinance will, however, prohibit smoking within 25 feet of city buildings, like Public Safety, and City Hall.
And as for Mike? He still sees quitting in the near future.
“I think, to be honest with you, I think I’m going to give it a go. I’m going to try the quitting process now I suppose. They’re just making it too much to even be a smoker these days."
City Council will hold a public hearing on June 16 to vote on the proposed smoking ban.
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