Prop. 188 Is Tobacco Industry’s Ploy

On Nov. 8, Californians will decide an issue of critical importance to the health of each of us: Proposition 188. This is the so-called California Uniform Tobacco Control Act, sponsored by Philip Morris Inc. If you think Philip Morris and the tobacco industry are really concerned about controlling the use of tobacco and preventing cigarette-related illness and deaths in California, think again.

Their deceptively worded initiative seemingly offers protection to nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. In fact, it rolls back hard-won gains to eliminate smoking from restaurants, workplaces and other public places and would set back state indoor clean-air standards by more than a decade. It would repeal the recent enactment of AB13, signed by Gov. Pete Wilson to ban smoking in virtually all public places, as well as over 300 stronger local ordinances.

Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop has stated that “Prop. 188 is hazardous to your health. Philip Morris . . . is spending millions of dollars to pass Prop. 188 to protect industry profits. It should be called the ‘Tobacco Industry Protection Act.’ ”

Proposition 188 aims to bring smoking back--in workplaces and in restaurants--and keep it back. Cities and counties will be prohibited from enacting any tougher tobacco control laws, and the only possible redress would be through a two-thirds vote of the state Legislature. If passed, more than 1 million nonsmoking workers in California will be exposed to secondhand smoke.

The American Heart Assn., American Cancer Society, American Lung Assn., the California State PTA, American Medical Assn. and many other organizations are weighing in against Prop. 188.

Remember to vote no on 188, and urge your friends and family to do likewise.

NADINE WILCK

Chairman of the board

American Heart Assn., Orange County