Councilman Fumes Over Smoking Ban : Legislation: La Puente official says ordinance is a political ploy against him by foes. But the mayor says it’s just a chance for fresh air in City Hall.

Call it Tobacco Row.

A councilman in La Puente has promised to blow smoke in the face of a smoking ban in City Hall that takes effect next month.

Further, he vowed to file a class-action lawsuit against the city if he is cited for an infraction, which carries a $100 fine for a first violation and up to $500 for three or more in a year.

“That’s bald-faced discrimination,” Councilman Charles Storing argued after the ordinance was approved at last week’s meeting. “A smoker does have rights. I can prove that (my smoke) doesn’t bother anybody.”

The longtime La Puente councilman said he smokes half a dozen or so cigarettes during his three-hour afternoon stints at City Hall. Storing said he restricts his smoking to his small, secluded office attached to the council chambers.

“I do not smoke in City Hall except in my cubbyhole,” he said. “This is not a problem.”

Mayor Louis Perez, who initiated the measure, admitted that he has not heard any complaints about Storing’s cigarette use but added that the ordinance is necessary to protect the rights of the 15 employees at City Hall.

“They deserve to have a clean, healthy environment,” Perez said, citing the recently released Environmental Protection Agency study on the ill effects of secondhand smoke. “We want fresh air, and we deserve it.”

Storing said the ordinance, which prohibits smoking in all city facilities and takes effect Feb. 12, is a political ploy by his council foes. He abstained from last week’s final vote on the measure, which was approved 2 to 0 by Perez and Councilman Edward Chavez.

“(In City Hall), I am the only one who smokes,” he said. “This ordinance is aimed at Charlie Storing, pure and simple.”

Perez, a vocal member of the council majority that often clashes with Storing and his ally, Councilman Manuel Garcia, denied the accusation.

“He can think whatever he wants to think, but this isn’t a vendetta,” Perez said. “I don’t care if it’s one smoker or 10 or 100. We’re not after Charlie.”

Perez predicted that Storing’s promised legal challenge will not succeed in court.

“He doesn’t have a leg to stand on,” Perez said. “When the time comes, we’ll let our attorneys take care of it.”