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Issue 3 Gambling in Ohio - Slot Machines at Race Tracks and two locations in Cleveland

It's the smokescreen - Issue 4 and issue 5

 SmokeFreeOhio.com

 SmokeLessOhio.com

According to the media both issues 4 and 5 may pass and then there would be smoking in Columbus bars, bowling alleys and restuaurants again.  Issue 4 is a constitutional amendment.  Issue 5 is basically the smoking ban we have in Columbus extended statewide.

Joe Blundo of the Columbus Dispatch wrote:  

"The situation would have been less confusing had Issue 4 been called Wheeze More Ohio, but I doubt that the measure would have polled as well.  I suspect we’re on the threshold of a new era in which any issue can pass, given the right nickname.  In fact, maybe someone should give the entire 2006 election a nickname. My suggestion: Snakes in a Campaign."

THE BIG LIE  By Dan Williamson of The Other Paper, October 12, 2006

 
"Joe Camel wants to trick you into bringing smoking back to restaurants. Polls show you’re falling for it."

Remember Issue 5 is supported by the American Cancer Society and Issue 4 is the tobacco industry.     

Williamson of The Other paper also wrote:

"Less smoking is not the goal of Smoke Less Ohio. Any confusion about that can be cleared up when reading the Issue 4 campaign’s list of “coalition members,” including R.J. Reynolds, the Cigar Association of America, the Lorillard Tobacco Co., the National Association of Tobacco Outlets Inc. and the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association."

I am not a smoker and I have to say it has been nice in public places since Columbus and most of the suburbs have passed smoking bans. I do often go out "for a smoke" with friends at the office but I stand upwind from them.     I would hate to see confusion with the two smoking issues change things in Central Ohio. 

Vote Issue 4

Vote Issue 5

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c. 2006 Columbus Best Blog