We have experienced a disgraceful failure of the City-County Council to pass the ordinance strengthening the smoking ban in Indianapolis.

Since the initial smoking ban was passed, the science demonstrating the dangers of secondhand smoke has become even more overwhelming. Legislation to protect citizens’ health occurs all the time in our society: Restaurants, for example, must have soap in their bathrooms and must properly cook meats. Seatbelt laws also are enacted for public safety. Moreover, employees in smoke-filled bars and clubs, especially in today’s economy, cannot just switch jobs at will.

I would urge Indianapolis residents to vote against any council member up for re-election who has voted to table the ordinance. Clearly, public health is not enough of a priority for these representatives.

People who are guilty of nothing more than continuing to work in an unsafe environment might be condemned to die of lung cancer and emphysema because of some thoughtless council members. The people of our city deserve better.

Richard D. Pomerantz

Indianapolis