Verona

Verona is being assailed by Smoke Free WI and a new group, Smoke Free Verona. It isn't currently clear whether or not there are any plans at the local government level or if it's just a push by Smoke Free right now.

It has been made clear, however, that much of this effort is directed at creating such a messy patchwork that even ban opponents will support a state-wide ban just to clean up the mess.

Kenosha

The smoking ban issue has surfaced with no warning whatsoever. Right now the council is split with Don Moldenhauer, Don Holland, G. John Ruffolo, Tod Ohnstad, Don Ruef, Ray Misener, Dan Prozanski and Michael Orth supporting the ban. Eric Haugaard is on the fence

We are working with The Daily Kenoshan on this, and you can see where they're at here.

We have also been working overtime in trying to get records from the city alders which is proving to be an absolute nightmare. Makes you wonder what it is they want to hide! After all, we have never run into problems like this from other cities or state officials.

Here is what the proposed ordinance looks like.

Here is a form letter that can be sent to your local alder.

You can also check with Be Fair Kenosha for all of the most recent information

Update 8/12 (From TDK): The Kenosha City Council committee proposing the all-out ban on public smoking in Kenosha has set the matter aside until their November meeting in order to give Aldermen the chance to study the matter further.  More than a hundred people showed up, most who were angered by the proposed ban on smoking in all public venues.  The committee itself was not united in its support of the ban, and some members, including its chairman, had not had even known the proposal was on the table until last Wednesday.

Update 8/13: A voter referendum has been proposed. This is a bad development and must not be allowed to move forward.

Update 9/1: The issue refuses to fizzle out and there will be a closed city council meeting on 9/3 regarding the state of the ban.

Update 9/5: The council voted 11 to 5 to put an advisory referendum on the November ballot. Legally, this is not a binding referendum - but that doesn't change the fact that everybody needs to get out there and vote "no" and tell the city council to stay out of private business.

11/5: The voters spoke! The advisory referendum was voted down by the citizens of Keosha. Don't hold your breath though, I fear that this is far from over.

Trempealeau County

Smoke Free WI is "surveying" counties, one of which is Trempealeau. There is no action planned right now, but according to SFWI they are interested in helping create a tobacco-free coalition - something that we have learned is a code name for creating a front group that pushes for a ban with SFWI's backing.

Fond du Lac

Not much is known at this time other than the fact that we were contacted for help by a city official who has informed us that the pro-ban folks are moving in on his city.

For support issues, check with the FDL County Tavern League

Here's the city council breakdown as we know it right now:

Oppose: Tim Lakin, Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Sam Meyer

Support: Jim Nintzel, Jeff Ruedinger, Mark Jurgella, Lindee Kimball

The locals pushing for the ban are:

Marian Sheridan (who "successfully" pushed for the restaurant ban), Maggie McCullough, Barbara Lent (read about her), Sandy Bernier of the FDL County Tobacco Free Coalition/FDL County Health Dept.

I am unsure, but I also suspect that Aurora Health Care is involved as well due to their involvement with the FDL restaurant smoking ban

A new group, Live Free Fond du Lac, has formed to fight this. Click their logo above for more info.

Read the proposed ordinance here.

Update 10/5: Public hearing will be held Wednesday (10/8) with a vote on 10/22

Update 10/22: Council voted 4 to 3 in favor of a ban. The ban will go into effect on early February 2009. We have filed an official complaint with the county over the use of a flawed study as backing for the ban.

Lake Geneva

The city attorney has, on behest of the health committee, drawn up a smoking ban proposal. As far as I know, this will be addressed by the city council on Dec 8th.

Here's an article about the ban

As well as our page with contact information etc

Update 11/26: The city Coucil has unanimously decided to snuff out the idea of a ban in Lake Geneva. Even more impressive is the Mayor's statement on the ban:

"Mayor Bill Chesen, who had the final word on the issue, said even a statewide smoking ban is a violation of people's rights and would start government on a "slippery slope" to legislating other personal choices.

'(Smoking) is a right of use … and I think we're stepping all over it,' he said. 'And I would say that for the state of Wisconsin, as well.

'I think it's very important that we don't start down that slippery slope.'"

West Salem and LaCrosse County

It has come to our attention that Sue Lynch, wife of the LaCrosse County GOP Chair and a "consultant" for Smoke Free Wisconsin is at it again. She is pushing for a smoking ban in West Salem under the pretense of pushing for an entire county-wide ban. Since LaCrosse County cannot enact a ban itself, the cities themselves have to do it and Mrs. Lynch intends to try and make that happen.

Since the Wisconsin State GOP has a resolution against smoking bans, this issue has been taken up with the LaCrosse County GOP since Mrs. Lynch is connected with the party.

Update 10/17/08: Ban has been shelved for the time being.

Beaver Dam

As of 8/13/08, the proposed smoking ban has fallen apart. Here's the news from Beaver Dam from WBEV:

"Beaver Dam bar owners and members of the city council met last night to discuss the rumored citywide smoking ban and its potential effect on the business community.  Among those in attendance was the president of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Rob Swearingen who says the citywide ban would tear the community apart, making Beaver Dam an island surrounded by communities without smoking bans. John Biel hosted last nights gathering at his establishment, John’s Bar, which is located in the Town of Beaver Dam and would stand to financially benefit from an influx of smokers were a citywide ban to pass.   Biel says that while he is no supporter of the statewide smoking ban, but the non-smoking islands created by a citywide ban would devastate mom and pop taverns.

Of the eight city council members present, only Alderman Aaron Onsrud had at one time supported a citywide smoking ban; Onsrud tells us he consulted the city attorney about the ordinance process and got sample ordinances from other Wisconsin communities before later determining that a citywide ban was not good for Beaver Dam right now. Onsrud does support a compromised statewide ban and other alderpersons last night indicated that the issue should be addressed in the state legislature, not in municipalities that risk jeopardizing local businesses.  At present there is no such ordinance being considered by the city council or by a committee."

Here's a great article from the Daily Citizen as well.

 Chippewa Falls

Some members of the Chippewa Falls city council are looking to play "follow the leader" with Eau Claire, citing their new ordinance as a working example of how they can do the same thing. Despite staunch opposition, the issue continues to get pressed with threats of circumventing the normal channels to force the issue.

As of 9/24/08, the city council has voted not to take action on a smoking ban at this time.

As of 8/5/08, Weston has unanimously voted down a municipal ban. Of course, this is always subject to change, but it's good news for the time being!

Keep an eye on Healthy Marathon County and their "Marathon County Tobacco Free Coalition task force" for now.