HomeMy WebLinkAboutConsable Christopher L. Bates - Smoke Free Port Arthur SMOKE * FREE
PORT ARTHUR__
Smoke Free Port Arthur Coalition
P.O.Box 1089,Port Arthur,TX 77640
Councilwoman Tiffany L.Hamilton,Ordinance Sponsor Constable Christopher L.Bates,Chairman
Tiffany.HamiltonPPortArthurTX.gov CBates ct co jefferson.tx.us
409.300.5791 409.983.8335
Dear Honorable Councilmembers,
On behalf of the Smoke-Free Port Arthur Coalition, over 100 Smoke-Free Port Arthur Public Hearing
attendees, several public hearing speakers in favor of Smoke-Free Port Arthur, hundreds of other
Smoke-Free Air supporters,and as a proud resident of Port Arthur, I say THANK YOU!
The purpose of the Smoke-Free Port Arthur Coalition is to support the City of Port Arthur in upholding
the law prohibiting smoking in all public places and indoor workplaces in efforts to protect the best
health interest of all that live,work and play within the City.
The community was impressed with the compelling testimonials and stories shared during the public
hearing. Some shared heart felt personal experiences from effects of secondhand smoke and some
shared dreams of looking forward to the day of working, dining and patronizing Port Arthur businesses
in a smoke-free air environment.
We appreciate your careful consideration and responsiveness to the will of the community in voting
unanimously in support of the 100%Comprehensive Smoke-Free Air Ordinance of 2016 without
exemptions so that every worker&resident in Port Arthur is protected. You all fairly governed the city
in its entirety by creating policy that applies equally to all businesses and establishments,providing
certainty of level playing field. There are 50 other cities that have Comprehensive Smoke-Free Air
Ordinances that apply equally to all establishments and on April 5th, 2016 Port Arthur shares this same
truth.
A special thanks,to Councilwoman Tiffany Hamilton for her leadership in coordinating the Smoke-Free
Port Arthur Coalition and sponsoring this ordinance along with Mayor Pro-Tem Kaprina Frank and
Councilwoman Charlotte Moses. Also, special thanks to Councilman Willie Bae Lewis for his well-
expressed comments in support of the Ordinance in stating, "You'll make a compelling argument and
you have quite a bit of support here. I been noticing since the City of New York passed an ordinance,
business in the restaurants and everything picked up. It had no negative impact. I been following it for
years. I wasn't too keen on it at first,but I'm going to support what you want".
We truly appreciate City Council's leadership, now every worker and resident in our community will be
protected from dangerous exposure to secondhand smoke. As you know, May 9th,2016 was the
effective date of the Smoke-Free Air Ordinance. Thanks to you all,the public health and quality of life
in Port Arthur has already begun greatly improving.
Sincerely,
,(i . ,
Christopher L. Bates
Jefferson County Constable Pct. 2
Smoke-Free Port Arthur Coalition Chair