In Monday’s Daily, Jonathon Weaver tries to sound like he knows what he is talking about. Mr. Weaver, to his credit, even did a little research, but his reading of and understanding of it is grossly inaccurate. The statute Mr. Weaver quotes, 142B.6, which says “. the provisions of this statute shall supersede any local law or regulation inconsistent with or conflicts with the provisions of this chapter.”

Mr. Weaver, did you not point out, in the beginning of your letter, that one of the provisions of the statute was that a local entity could in fact make a more restrictive ordinance?

In Section 142B.2, Iowa law states “Smoking areas may be designated by persons having custody or control of public places, except in places in which smoking is prohibited by the fire marshal or by other law, ordinance or regulation.”

One of the provisions of the statue is that local entities may make more restrictive ordinances with respect to the statute in question. Where is the conflict, Mr. Weaver? This statute plainly allows local ordinances to make more restrictive laws on smoking. Also, the resolution of this question is pending in court so I would urge the public to let the system work the way it was designed.

Tom Blair

Senior

Spanish and secondary education