Will Indy be smoke-free?

In recent years, Indianapolis has been a battle ground for a city-wide smoking ban debate. Both the city’s government and the statehouse have wrangled over bills impacting the ability to light up in Indianapolis. At the statehouse, the Indiana House of Representatives has approved statewide smoking bans six times since 2005.  Bills voted on in the Senate?  Zero.

Will this time be different?  Governor Daniels has indicated he is willing to sign any bill the statehouse delivers to him. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has recently vetoed a comprehensive smoking ban issued by the City-County Council, expanding on the previous smoking Ordinance called Proposal 18 (which did not include most bars, bowling alleys, and hotel rooms).  Democratic co-sponsor Angela Mansfield, along with her co-sponsors John Barth, called for a vote to override the veto calling the mayor’s action, “shameful.”  Other council representatives , including Republicans Jeff Miller and Ben Hunter, claimed to be optimistic that a comprehensive smoking ban including bars was possible in the near future.

Back at the statehouse, the Senate is expected to take action soon on the issue.  What do you think is best for Indianapolis? Vote below and follow the debate #indysmokingban