By Sara StrongVolunteers combed city parks for evidence. They found carcinogens and toxins – enough to fill two two-gallon containers ... with cigarette butts. No one disputes that smoking cigarettes is unhealthy, but people’s right to smoke them in public is under debate in cities across the state.Luverne could be the first in southwest Minnesota to ban smoking in parks and recreational areas if the City Council passes a policy at the request of Partners in Prevention.The non-smoking advocacy group spoke to the Luverne City Council Tuesday.Public Health Educator Paula Anderson said, "It would show a positive commitment to youth in the community by keeping tobacco out of the recreation areas. ... We’re not here asking for a ban on smoking in restaurants."Anderson has also been working with Kari Lais, high school health teacher. They, along with student members of Partners in Prevention, said that it is well within the city’s right to sign on to a policy banning smoking on all city property. The policy, if passed, would be largely self-enforced. The city would receive signs to post in public areas, but it wouldn’t be an ordinance that required Sheriff’s Department enforcement.Anderson said that when prevention program funding has decreased in the past, smoking in youth has increased.With the state holding back some prevention funds, Anderson said the city’s own regulations could help discourage young people from smoking.Lais said that in her classroom, she sees the effects of smoking in students from families who smoke in their homes show up as respiratory infections and asthma. She said, "A lot of people don’t have a choice if they’re going to get second-hand smoke, in cars or homes. But when we’re out in a public place, we should be able to avoid it."The group said the outdoor air doesn’t carry away the Class A carcinogens in cigarette smoke, as people would assume. (Class A carcinogens also include arsenic, mustard gas and asbestos.)Anderson said, "We’re not trying to take away the rights of the smoker; we’re just trying to promote health."Promoting health is something she said the city has a duty to do. Other arguments for banning smoking in city recreational areas were: oDogs can’t be in parks, and "at least their waste is biodegradable."oPeople will still enjoy outdoor games and activities. When schools and businesses banned smoking, people feared a backlash, but smokers adapted.oThere will be less time spent in clean-up and maintenance by city workers picking up cigarette butts.oNot only are cigarette butts toxic and non-biodegradable, but children often pick them up and try smoking them.The council will discuss the proposal further before passing a ban on smoking in parks.In other business Tuesday, the Council:oDecided to become a part of the Minnesota Living Well Senior Friendly Community Project. The surveys will gauge how senior-friendly Luverne is, and favorable results could be a useful marketing tool to future residents.oRecognized Economic Development Director Dan Statema for his work in marketing the Job Opportunity Building Zone. Print ads are being published in the region, illustrating the tax breaks Luverne can now offer. The city’s new economic development and Chamber of Commerce Web site is nearly complete.oPassed a resolution opposing tax and expenditure limitation proposals which the Minnesota Legislature is considering. It may impose property tax and expenditure limits on local units of government. The League of Minnesota Cities and the Greater Minnesota Coalition oppose the legislation as well. The council said local budgets should be left up to local governments.
