The concept of a smoking ban in Pittsburg is hardly a new concept.
But a recent study conducted by the Kansas Health Institute sheds some light on how community leaders across the state think about with how the concept should be dealt.
According the study, unveiled at the KHI's symposium titled "Smoking Bans in a Home Rule State: How Do We Regulate Tobacco in a Way that Makes Sense in Kansas," about 60 percent of surveyed community leaders said the state should mandate a comprehensive indoor smoking ban.
Epidemiologist John Neuberger, professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center and a member of the Cancer Control and Population Health Research Program, conducted the study, which surveyed city clerks and governing board members of 57 cities in Kansas. Respondents were asked questions including whether there should be greater restrictions on smoking indoors and if the state should enact a comprehensive mandate enforced locally.
Nearly 64 percent of respondents believed a smoking ban should be implemented locally by the city, and 63 percent believed it should be implemented by the state. The report states the majority of those surveyed who favor or strongly favor a smoking ban, also favor legislation that would ban smoking in all venues, including bars and restaurants.
"Our goal with this study was to find out the opinions of leaders in cities across Kansas regarding smoking bans, because no such survey had been conducted yet," Neuberger said. "Our findings provide evidence that community leaders want to see a smoking ban implemented either at the local or state level."
Rep. Julie Menghini, D-Pittsburg, said she expected the Kansas Legislature to broach the subject this session.
"I think someone will certainly attempt to address it again in the Legislature," Menghini said. "I've received information about it from a senator already, probably within the last month. I'm sure it will be revisited."
Right now, cities have the chance to enact a smoking ban if they choose. Menghini said she had been to Lawrence since the city went to a smoking ban, and said the ban made it easier to enjoy a meal or a drink without fighting the smoke. At the same time, several Pittsburg bar owners have expressed concern that banning smoking would take away business.
So will Pittsburg go to a ban? It's not clear whether Pittsburg City Commissioners will attack the issue. Pittsburg Mayor Pam Henderson, who filled out the study, said she had mixed feelings on the subject.
"I do think people have the right to choose whether or not to smoke," Henderson said. "At the same time, I do understand the impact of second-hand smoke. I don't really know whether I would support it or not."
The impact of smoking can be a grave one, according to the National Cancer Institute. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing an estimated 438,000 deaths each year. Meanwhile, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States and in Kansas, killing more than prostate, colon and breast cancers combined. Approximately 80 percent of cases are attributed to smoking.
Pittsburg has taken steps to make sure that city workers know and understand the consequences of smoking. Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center offers a smoking cessation class, and city workers had the option of taking the class last year.
"It was a good turnout, and it was well attended," said Chris Kelly, Mt. Carmel director of community relations. "Beyond the health aspects, smoking can cost employers thousands of dollars in lost productivity, in insurance costs and people getting sick. So there's another side to it, an economic side."
Menghini said a smoking ban was both a state and a local one.
"I can understand that it's not something as simple as just banning smoking everywhere," Menghini said. "There are multiple sides to the issue, so it's not something that will be easily passed.
Henderson said she didn't know if it would pass through the city commission.
"I don't really have a side in terms of smoking and non-smoking," Henderson said. "I don't necessarily feel the need to restrict it any further. Unless members of the public come forward about it, and without a great outpouring, I don't see us really changing things."
PITTSBURG —
