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Community Corner

Speak Out: Moorestown's Anti-Smoking Ordinance

Smoking Ordinance Open Letter To The Public

As stated at Town Council meeting on 04/08/2014 and available for review on video format at Open Doors Moorestown NJ Facebook, Twitter, You Tube ). 

I have never before been aware of how intelligent and insightful Mayor Chiacchio is. As a citizen, I proposed a city ordinance that would ban smoking in public spaces and events in town. I informed Mayor Chiacchio of the serious, chronic lung disease that afflicts my daughter.

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Night after night I hear the groan of the oxygen-generating machine that she must utilize to sustain her. I also stated that to the Mayor that she likes to attend sporting and public events here in Town, but only when she can muster her strength. The mayor stated that he can “ see no problem “ when I illustrated how second hand smoke impacts her quality of life.

He then stated flatly said No in support of the anti smoking ordinance. There is no cure for this disease. All those years that I witnessed her decline, I prayed for some help, even small, to improve her quality of life. All along she didn’t need it – as per Mayor Chiacchio. What do I as a parent know? What do the doctors know?

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According to the Mayor, smoking has no major impact on her quality of life.  He never met my daughter. He has no personal clue what afflicts her. Yet, HE KNOWS. The smoking ban would not cost this town a single penny, but it would be priceless to me and more importantly my daughter and her quality of life. God bless you Mayor Chiacchio!!

 

Bob Zieniuk

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