Smoking may be banned at Downey parks

After a heated debate filled with feisty exchanges between council members, the City Council moved forward with plans Tuesday night to enact an ordinance banning cigarette smoking at all Downey parks and city-sponsored events.

In a split decision, Mayor Luis Marquez, Councilmen Fernando Vasquez and Roger Brossmer voted in support while Councilmen Mario Guerra and David Gafin dissented.

With more than 100 community members in attendance, including dozens of Downey teenagers and parents, the Council meeting often took on the tone of a political rally as several residents voiced support for a ban that would curb cigarette smoking near children and playgrounds.

Vasquez, who proposed the smoking ban, said he was surprised by the turnout, but encouraged by the display of community involvement.

“That's the beauty of our country, we can have these discussions,” Vasquez said shortly before addressing the smoking ban. “I agree this country was built on rights – the right for our children to breathe fresh air.

“Let adults be adults, but let children be children by letting them play in a safe environment,” Vasquez added.

Guerra, however, expressed concern over a possible anti-smoking ban and accused Marquez and Vasquez of playing politics, promoting a non-issue at the expense of residents’ civil liberties.

“I am vehemently opposed to this,” Guerra said. “We don't have police to invest in this. Who’s going to enforce it? What are the penalties?

“I'm against tobacco. I agree that it does kill, but this isn't going to stop it. Let's use common sense. This is about our personal rights being taken away.”

Gafin agreed, insisting state and county laws already limit smoking near playgrounds and other outdoor venues.

“I’m a strong proponent of individual rights. If an adult chooses to smoke it's their own right,” Gafin reasoned. “Where do we stop? We should not impose this upon our citizens, taking individuals' rights away.”

Marquez, who announced his support for the ban last week, maintained the issue was not political in nature.

“Children and parents agree this is a concern – it’s a public health issue,” Marquez said. “Our kids always come first.” Read more: The Downey Patriot - Smoking may be banned at Downey parks