Explanation
Title
To support and encourage the voters of Columbus to vote for Issue 5 and against Issue 4.
Body
WHEREAS, Significant health concerns exist surrounding secondhand smoke including the recent finding by the United States' Centers for Disease Control that between 38,000 and 62,000 non-smoking Americans die every year from exposure to secondhand smoke, and
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Council acted in June of 2004 to protect the citizens of Columbus from secondhand smoke by passing the Columbus Smokefree Indoor Air Act, and
WHEREAS, Columbus voters affirmed their support for this law in the November 2004 general election and May 2005 primary election, and
WHEREAS, Columbus voters have clearly spoken on this critical health issue by making the decision that saving lives and protecting children is paramount, and
WHEREAS, Issues 4 and 5 are on the November 7th general election ballot that could impact the quality of indoor air in Columbus, and
WHEREAS, Issue 5 enacts a statewide smoke free law similar to what now exists in Columbus, and
WHEREAS, Issue 4 would amend the Ohio Constitution to take away local control of this issue, nullify a vote of the people, and roll back some of the protections from secondhand smoke currently enjoyed by the citizens of Columbus, now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the citizens of Columbus should vote no on Issue 4 and yes on Issue 5 on November 7th.