> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
Reader upset with Dalby column
I read with anger as One Southern Indiana’s Michael Dalby used his Aug. 22 Opinions column space in The Tribune to say that those opposed to the current mess of a bridges plan (including tolls) were a “demonstrably small group” of “delusional” people.
First of all, I wonder how Dalby can consider the 85 percent of Kentuckiana residents opposed to the current Ohio River Bridges Project as “demonstrably small?” Second, I found his use of the word “delusional” insulting in the extreme. Is it “delusional,” Dalby, that my family stands opposed to adding $1,500 or more in tolls because we already pay $2,400 or so in taxes each year for the privilege of working in Jefferson County?
Those taxes are levied (without representation, I might add) because we “use the roads and infrastructure” by traveling to the work place. Is it “delusional,” Dalby, for small business owners to oppose tolling, when they know good and well that the expense and hassle of tolling will serve as a huge deterrent for people to cross the river to patronize their shops and restaurants?
No, the Bridges Authority’s single-minded dedication to tolling and refusal to consider paring down this project — as has been done elsewhere — is far more delusional.
With these issues greatly on my mind and elections around the corner, I hereby demand to know where our elected and hoping-to-be-elected representatives stand on the Ohio River Bridges Project and the possibility of tolling. I say to anyone seeking my vote that I will not vote for you if you are A-OK with an unelected board leveeing taxes (that's all tolls really are) that ultimately will hurt hard working families and small businesses in Southern Indiana most of all.
And, I say to my fellow citizens on both sides of the river — it’s time to voice your concerns and be heard. I fully expect the Bridges Authority will (magnanimously) walk back the proposed tolls to something more “reasonable” than $3, but don’t be fooled. They are not doing individuals or small businesses any favors, though they will almost certainly act like they are.
There are other, more reasonable options available if the Bridges Authority will seriously pursue them. The Ohio River already separates Kentuckiana. Don’t let the Bi-State Bridges Authority divide us further with tolls.
— Karen Leist Bassett, Lanesville
Lawmakers should support smoke free workplaces
On Sept. 8, select Indiana lawmakers have a unique opportunity to dramatically impact the health and wellness of Hoosier residents and workers throughout the state while significantly reducing health care costs associated with many chronic diseases caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.
The ability to recommend the Indiana General Assembly pass a comprehensive smokefree air law that covers all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, is in the hands of less than two dozen state senators and representatives who comprise the Health Finance Commission. Advocating on behalf of the health of Indiana workers who are exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace is the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air. A grassroots coalition of more than 400 organizations comprised of many of the state’s most influential and active public health advocates, medical professionals, and public interest groups, the ICSA is stronger and more committed than ever before that the Indiana General Assembly pass a statewide comprehensive smokefree air bill that protects all workers.
Twenty-seven states and Puerto Rico have enacted comprehensive smokefree air laws that include bars and restaurants. While lawmakers in all of these states faced tough opposition from special interest groups such as Big Tobacco and others, the evidence that smokefree air laws are good for health and for the economy proved irrefutable.
The health ramifications of secondhand smoke are devastating. Each year, more than 1,200 adult nonsmokers die from exposure to secondhand smoke. A 2009 report from the Institute of Medicine concluded that secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks and that smokefree air laws can have a substantial impact in reducing this risk.
Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke places an unnecessary burden on the state’s health care expenditures. A 2009 study by researchers from the Bowen Research Center of the Indiana University School of Medicine concluded that the overall cost of health care and premature loss of life attributed to secondhand smoke for Indiana residents in 2007 totaled more than $390 million.
All credible economic studies show communities with comprehensive smokefree workplace laws have not seen a negative affect on the hospitality industry or any other sector. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a comprehensive review of 97 studies from eight countries found that smoking restrictions did not have a negative economic impact on restaurants and bars.
Finally, public support for a comprehensive smokefree air law among Indiana registered voters has consistently increased over the past few years. In 2009, 81 percent of voters agreed that all workers in Indiana should be protected from secondhand smoke in the workplace.
The simple fact is, no exposure to secondhand smoke is safe — period. Support for smokefree air laws throughout the country is only getting stronger, and members of the Health Finance Commission should do right by the people of Indiana and recommend the General Assembly pass a strong, comprehensive smokefree air law that covers all public workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Over the next several months, the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air will rally supporters throughout the state to make their voices heard, because no Hoosier should be forced to choose between their health and their paycheck.
— Danielle Patterson, chairwoman, Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air and Director of Government Relations, American Heart Association
