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John “Jack” Helin
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TAB 5
Kansas City Kansan (Kansas City, KS)
October 29, 2008
Bonner council speaks about smoking
Author: Nick Sloan
A survey of Bonner Springs City Council members indicates a majority of the council would
prefer a countywide smoking ban rather than passing one just for the Bonner Springs. The eight
members of the council, along with Bonner Springs Mayor Clausie Smith, answered a
questionnaire regarding a possible city-wide smoking ban.
The results indicated three important findings: near unanimous support for allowing the Unified
Government to make the first move; a clear majority indicating that citizens should have the
right to vote on the matter; and an understanding that any smoking ban should have exceptions.
Smith, in disclosing some of his votes on the questionnaire, said the city should wait to see what
the Unified Government does. "I think the only way to have a smoking ban is to do it
countywide," Smith said. "It would not be fair for some of our local people and businesses.
People could just drive across to Edwardsville for business."
A slight majority of city council members believe smoking should be banned in restaurants and
other businesses that receive a significant amount of business income just on food sales.
A majority indicated they would allow exceptions to the ordinance in the following areas: 25
percent of hotel rooms, outdoor places of employment, outdoor public areas, tobacco specialty
shops, private clubs and areas created just for smoking. Allowing smoking in tobacco specialty
shops received unanimous support, the only question that featured zero "no" votes.
Megan Dodge, an intern with the city, prepared the questionnaire and gave it to the city council.
After the survey, she said the results indicated a possible smoking ordinance for Bonner Springs
would be similar to that of Olathe, Kan. But a question regarding any exception for the Kansas
Speedway's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was not asked. Although the casino lies within the
boundaries of Kansas City, Kan., each of Wyandotte County's three cities would receive funding
from the project. The casino, along with the county's bars, have been part of the discussion by
the UG regarding a ban within KCK.
Some officials from Bonner Springs said they would support an exemption for the casino.
"I would recommend we exempt it until Missouri does something with their casinos," said Jack
Helin, city manager.
A countywide ban could be tricky, especially if it appears on a ballot for the general population
of Wyandotte County. So far, Edwardsville has not expressed interest in a local ban. Also, all
three cities may have differences on the possible exemptions. "If it goes county-wide, the
dilemma could be the language on the ballot question," Helin said. Wyandotte County is one of
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