Leave to Ohio lawmakers to try to roll back the law that voters overwhelmingly passed 10 years ago by eroding the smoking ban, which is working well. After an initial hiccup with adjusting to it, the people have accepted it and have moved on. Smokers go outside without a whimper now. Not even taking into account the harmful health effects of smoke on smokers as well as non-smokers who breathe their smoke, this reversal will force employees of these “private clubs” to have to breathe smoke in order to earn a living, and this is grossly unfair. Smoke permeates into other areas away from the origin, as seen in restaurants that had previously had separate sections.
Your attempt to allow smoking in buildings that are not free standing makes this a reality once again. One smoker can affect the entire restaurant. I also have question for these lawmakers and that is, will you now greatly expand health care in the state as this will contribute to an increase in smoking-related illnesses, some of which will result in extremely expensive costs to treat?
I implore you to let this bill die without action and take up reasonable bills that are not so detrimental to the people of this state. THOMAS W. BILLING, SPRINGFIELD
Police body cameras can do good
I hope the use of body cameras for our police officers becomes widespread across our country. Truth in all situations is desired by the vast majority of people and demanded by victims of the irresponsible actions of others. Knowing your actions will be recorded will go a long way in making us all clean up our behavior regardless of what side of the badge you are on. I hope our state legislators get involved and do whatever they can to support this effort and expand it to include the requirement of a dash cam video as a matter of public record to support a claim that a police officer was in fact responding to an emergency and acted in a reasonable manner.
GERALD R. SHEETS, SPRINGFIELD
Planners should walk what they study
For years I have walked almost daily in the Dayton Mall area that is under study for improvements in pedestrian safety. The half mile of Ohio 725 between Byers Road and Ohio 741 is especially a challenge to anyone who walks it, and the narrowed stretch under I-75 is the most challenging part.
For a better understanding of the choices walkers face, I suggest that public officials and city planners sample walking the route at different times of day and night, and in different kinds of weather.
And be sure to cross the eight lanes of traffic where drivers are going 45 mph on Ohio 725 at Byers Road at rush hour. Wait for the walk signal, but don’t set foot in the road until the no-stop turning vehicles and the light runners clear. Then walk as fast as possible while looking out again for turning traffic. By my count, you have 22 seconds for all of that. Thankfully, some drivers are attentive and courteous, but beware of the others.
I recall years ago having to walk a stretch of Ohio 48 under I-70 in Englewood and being delighted to find “hardscaping” that provided attractive and safe walkways. I wonder if something similar could be done along Ohio 725 under I-75.
Efficient vehicular traffic flow, especially at the rush hours, is vital to the economy (and sanity) of the Dayton Mall area and the surrounding communities, but it's encouraging that the needs of pedestrians are also being considered. JOHN A. BRUNING, WEST CARROLLTON
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