By Stan Matthews, County Communications Program Manager

“I’m a smoker. I’m not proud of it, but that’s the way it is.” John Evans told the San Juan County Council at their meeting on Sept. 9. The Orcas resident argued that existing laws banning smoking in public buildings and within 25 feet of windows, doors and vents are enough. “Extending it to include all county property seems mean spirited.”

The Council, in discussion, generally agreed. “We don’t need another ordinance we can’t enforce.” Council Member Rich Peterson said.

The extended smoking ban proposal was endorsed and forwarded to the Council by the San Juan County Board of Health, which identified secondhand smoke, even outdoors, as a major health problem and noted that many communities have extended smoking bans to open areas including parks.

“Our County Health Officer pointed out that smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in this country,” said Council Member Alan Lichter, who sits on the Board of Health.

In its recommendation to the Council, the Board suggested a range of actions as alternatives to an ordinance, including increasing educational efforts and posting signs asking people not to smoke in places such as parks and the fairgrounds.

The Council agreed to postpone further consideration of the subject until arrangements could be made for County Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, to discuss the need for an additional County smoking ban with the Council.