Comments from Patchland: Smoking Bans, Civility and Fewer Fireworks

Surprise, surprise. There is another debate on smoking bans. A ban going into effect in O'Fallon and being shot down in St. Charles County sparked debate. In lighter fare, Patch editors took to the water, watched aldermen appoint another to its board and Arnold wants civility back in political life. 

Nibble on some of these morsels, and if you're inclined to share your thoughts, click the links and chime in. We're all ears.

No Smoking in O'Fallon, Still OK in the County

"I like the smoking ban. It makes no sense in bars, you don't really go there for good health." 

— JJ William Francais, O'Fallon Patch (via Facebook)

"This is the dumbest thing in the county right now." 

— James Wren, O'Fallon Patch (via Facebook)

"This ban is weak. Why are private residences exempted? Get with the 21st century."

— Bob, St. Peters Patch

"WOW! I guess we need zealots in society--they push us out of our comfort zones. But, really Mr./Ms. Harleyrider 1978? World war over a smoking ban? OMG! Bill Hannegan's suggestion of an exclusion for minors seems reasonable, but why not allow individual exemptions by permitting opting out of the ban based on criterion that could include nonfood sales and patron age? There are tons of agreeable options that would protect business and property owner rights."

— John Durajczyk, St. Peters Patch

Aldermen Vote in New Member

"Well the 'fix' was in, no ifs ands or buts about it! Pathetic is the first word to come to mind. The rest? Well, you really don't want to know!

— Tom Ford, Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch

Reporting from the water--not a bad gig!

"Well now you've done it! Shh. Yes, it is a slice of heaven on earth--a unique community at it's best. Everyone wants to be the last one in. And I miss it!

— JoAnn Melton, Lake Saint Louis Patch

"Lake St. Louis is indeed a special place, not just for the amenities we have, but for the residents that live here. Glad you got to enjoy our lake, Tamara. I saw you from my view at the Sailing and Paddling Club hot dog stand, but missed getting to say hi."

— Beth Campbell, Lake Saint Louis Patch

Civility in Politics - is there such a thing?

"Many area Boy Scouts attend the Arnold City Council meetings as a requirement for a merit badge. When I ask them their impression of the meetings and the city council, the typical response is that 'They are acting like a bunch of second-graders arguing.' Perhaps this would be a major step in having a more professional meeting and give Arnold a better reputation."

— Yamabushi, Arnold Patch

Fewer Fireworks?

"This is really sad to read. I am from Southwest Missouri and have enjoyed coming to St. Charles in the past specifically for the Riverfest celebrations and have enjoyed sharing memories of our experiences at the Riverfest with friends and family throughout the years. I hope that the budget will recover so the Riverfest festivities can resume to normal or be even be better! Activities such as the Riverfest are such an important function for cities and for the good memories it creates for years to come."

— Amber, St. Charles Patch

"No, thank you. The once respected Riverfest has fallen. It was fun while it lasted."

— Todd Luerding, St. Charles Patch