Resource

Kentucky League of Cities' Position Statement & Call to Action on Local Control

Publication Date: 2006-12-09

Issue Detail: Smokefree Zones

The situation:

Proposed legislation would make it illegal for any Kentucky city to enact local smoke free zones. But local governments are in a better position to know the wants and needs of their communities. They should retain the ability to regulate health and safety as they see fit.

Our position:

Instead of a statewide mandate, let each Kentucky
community decide for itself whether or not to establish smoke-free public areas.

Here is why:

1. Local officials are closest to the people.
- They will be the first to hear if a policy isn’t working, and can act quickly.
- Voters have the right to oversight on such issues through the election of local officials.

2. Smoking policy should not be dictated by the state.
- A “one size fits all” approach overlooks the diverse needs of Kentucky’s many communities.
- A state pre-emption would be a step back from truly representative government.

3. It gives the system an opportunity to work.
- Passing laws to cover the health, safety, and welfare of its people is a time-honored right of cities.
- Let local citizens decide what policy works best for them.

Contact your legislators at 1-800-372-7181 and ask them to oppose any statewide smoking mandates.