The Issue: Banning the act of smoking in state public places

Their View: Voters should voice rights vs. second-hand smoke

The issue of banning smoking in public places in Ohio is being discussed openly, and loudly, and that's a good thing.

It's a good thing that the issue of second-hand smoke is making its way to the political arena.

As of now, enough signatures have been gathered to put the issue before Ohio legislators.

We urge legislators in Columbus to take no action on the proposal and let it go before voters. We think it will still be successful, but a vote of the people will carry more weight.

We agree with efforts to limit, even eliminate, non-smokers' exposure to second-hand smoke. And we think a ballot initiative where voters across the state have a say in the matter is a good approach. Voters should decide.

- The Marietta Times