Record the votes on smoke ban

This letter is directed to those Virginians who were under the mistaken impression that they lived in a representative democracy, particularly the huge majority who support comprehensive laws to restrict smoking in public places.

For the third straight year, several bills have been introduced to ban public smoking, but are intentionally being routed to a hostile six-member subcommittee which House of Delegates leaders know is certain to kill them.

After the notoriously pro-tobacco chairman of that committee retired, the new chairman, Terrie L. Suit of Virginia Beach, was asked to send the bills to a new subcommittee. She has refused so far to do so, referring them to the same place and ensuring that six little dictators will continue to prevent a full House vote on this important measure.

It has been proven beyond dispute that secondhand smoke is a major killer. When elected representatives are afraid for their full body to take even a recorded vote on such a crucial issue, they have abdicated their duty as public servants. Citizens need to remind these arrogant politicians who is in charge. If anyone wishes to demand that Delegate Suit bring up these bills for a full vote, her legislative telephone number is (804) 698-1081.

Hilton Oliver
executive director
Virginia Group to Alleviate Smoking in Public
Virginia Beach, Va.