LETTER: Public Invited To Speak On Proposed 'Generational' Smoking Ban

This is a Letter to the Editor submitted to Patch by Peabody City Councilor Anne Manning-Martin:

PEABODY, MA — Given the Generational Smoking Ban proposal that is now, by law, in the hands of local boards of health, it is important to remind people that members of these boards are volunteers appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by the city council.

They are an integral and important part of our local government and without their sacrifice and commitment, the management of our cities and towns would come to a standstill; their work is crucial and at times controversial. We need to respect the positions they are in.

As such, I want to take a moment to commend Peabody Board of Health Chairman Thomas Durkin, for the manner he has chosen to conduct the upcoming hearing of the proposed Generational Smoking Ban.

It is my understanding that the four communities that have passed this generational ban, with Brookline being the first in the country to do so hoping to eventually bar all future generations from buying tobacco (but certainly not from smoking it), gave residents only 48 hours' notice that such a ban would be up for public input resulting in the public being mostly unaware.

Chairman Durkin, however, has taken a more democratic, open and transparent approach by instead giving residents 30 days' notice in order that they may prepare, attend and be heard on this ban should they wish to do so.

Moreover, at a recent board meeting, Council David Gamache and I (both non-smokers), who have a combined 53 years (over two generations) of elected municipal experience and service to the residents of Peabody, wished to address the board to share our perspectives and concerns against the passage of this ban for several reasons. Chairman Durkin, with respect and wisdom, appreciated our roles and experience by allowing us to do so in the interest of gaining valuable insight that can inform the appointed board's decision-making process.

Mr. Durkin's regard for public input and the collaborative process did not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.

The public is welcome to attend the Board of Health meeting to discuss this generational ban, whether in favor or against, as is the democratic process being adhered to in Peabody. It is scheduled for October 24th at 4:30 p.m. at the Higgins Middle School Library, 85 Perkins Street (EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a site change from earlier publication.)