Georgia Action Center

 Augusta/Richmond County Board of Commisssioners

Matt Aitken Ph: (706) 724-4377 (home) Ph: (706) 564-6281 (cell) maitken@augustaga.gov (email)

Joe Jackson Ph: (706) 533-7839 (home) jtjackson@augustaga.gov (email)

Corey Johnson Ph: (706) 736-4435 (home) Ph: (706) 993-0224 (cell) cjohnson5@augustatga.gov (email)

Jerry Brigham Ph: (706) 863-1698 (home) Ph: (706) 650-1700 (work) cbrigham@augustaga.gov (email)

Joe Bowles Mayor Pro Tem Ph: (706) 733-9074 (home) Ph: (706) 825-6894 (work)
mayorpro-tembowles@augustaga.gov (email)

Wayne Guilfoyle Ph: (706) 592-2385 (home) Ph: (706) 796-3444 (work) cwayneguilfoyle@augustaga.gov (email)

J. R. Hatney Ph: (706) 722-5035 (home) Ph: (706) 726-8186 (cell) jhatney@augustaga.gov (email)

Bill Lockett Ph: (706) 798-7175 (home) Ph: (706) 825-1847 (cell) wlockett@augustaga.gov (email)

Grady Smith Ph: (706) 825-9473 (cell) Ph: (706) 733-9473 (work)

Alvin Mason Ph: (706) 955-6130 amason@augustaga.gov (email)

Augusta/Richmond County Smoke-Free Sample Letter to the Editor

As an Augusta/Richmond County resident I applaud the leadership and foresight of our local health organizations, social and civic groups, and the Board of Commissioners for considering making Richmond County smoke-free, that would prevent smoking in all work places and places open to the public. The debate about second-hand smoke is over.  The science is clear that second-hand smoke is not just annoying but a serious health hazard.

Smoke-free cities or counties are not unprecedented.  Many cities across the country have adopted smoke-free ordinance resulting in positive health outcomes without hurting local business or tourism.

Opponents to eliminating second-hand smoke indoors make the claim that smoke-free laws hurt business; there is no evidence that smoke-free laws cause loss of revenue or places to go out of business.  In addition, opponents argue that smoke-free laws eliminate a smoker’s right to smoke.  Smoke-free air laws are about the rights of the public to walk into their workplace or any public places and be able to breathe clean air; it’s about public health being responsible by setting a standard that eliminates a health hazard that can easily be prevented by asking smokers to light up outside.

Businesses, residents, and county officials should be proud of supporting a healthier community by creating an environment where all workers and patrons are not exposed to second-hand smoke.  I strongly urge our elected officials to make our city smoke-free.

Thank you,

Jane Doe