Cough, cough...

The Damn Smoking Ordinance. I only say it like that because of the response(s) it has elicited, both positive and negative (click on the title above for a link to the ordinance itself). It's one of those things that started out as a good idea (no smoking inside public buildings, restaurants, etc.) that was taken entirely too far (must be at least 20 feet from any door or ventilation system, etc.). So, YOU pay your exhorbitant property taxes for YOUR business in the City of Meridian, yet YOU can be fined for smoking OUTSIDE YOUR OWN DOOR? Ridiculous. And I'm not saying that as a smoker or a non-smoker, but rather as a taxpaying citizen.

(It's worth noting that our mayor conveniently left town for this vote and handed off mayoral duties to a man who has been trying to get it passed for years, then they decided not to even allow the public in the meeting for the vote. Really? I mean, REALLY? Guess we don't care about transparency in government here in Meridian, huh?)

Now, the best part. A cop just pulled up to our business, gets out of his cruiser smoking, walks PAST our cigarette disposal receptable and right up to our door, where he stubs his cigarette out... right in front of the owner, who can be fined if ANYONE breaks the rules on his property, including himself. And you really expect US to observe and respect your smoking ordinance when you can't even make your own law enforcement do it!? And, btw, the ordinance clearly states, "All enclosed facilites, including vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the City of Meridian shall be subject to the provisions of this Article". Way to set an example. Bravo.