YORBA LINDA : Smoking Measure Goes Back on Ballot

The city’s on-again, off-again advisory measure on a sweeping smoking ban has been returned to the November ballot by the City Council.

The measure, which would prohibit smoking in public buildings, including businesses and places of employment, had been removed last month in a move initiated by Councilman John M. Gullixson. The smoking ban’s biggest proponent, Councilman Henry W. Wedaa, was not present at that meeting.

Gullixson proposed an amendment requiring that restaurants set aside 70% of their tables for nonsmokers.

On Tuesday, Wedaa first tried to persuade the council to increase the amendment’s 70% figure to 100%. When that failed, he proposed putting the measure back on the ballot.

“If the majority of this council needs a huge mandate from the people I would rather do that than pass this watered-down amendment,” Wedaa said.

Wedaa’s proposal was supported by Councilmen Mark Schwing and Daniel T. Welch.

Not long after the council voted 3 to 2 to put the measure on the ballot, the two sides began criticizing each other in regard to the estimated $10,000 cost to do so.

Wedaa and Schwing said the advisory measure was unnecessary because a city-sponsored survey of about 400 residents showed 70% favor banning smoking in public places in the city.

But Gullixson said that before enacting such a sweeping ban, the council should hear from more residents than just the 400 who were surveyed.

The line between supporters and opponents of the ballot measure has become blurry as few council members have voted consistently each time the issue has been raised.

Wedaa and Schwing originally voted against an advisory measure. Last month, Schwing abstained from the vote to remove the measure from the ballot, and Tuesday Schwing and Wedaa voted in favor of returning it to the ballot.

Gullixson and Mayor Barbara Kiley supported the advisory measure in May, favored its removal in June and opposed its return this week.