How should I vote?

Vote Yes, No, Yes in that order.

1. Voting “yes” to the first ballot ensures that any ordinance voted on by the people can only be changed by a vote of the people.
2. Voting “no” on the second measure would prevent a city wide smoking ban.
3. Voting “yes” on the third item keeps the smoking ordinances we have in place (only in 21 establishments, must be sealed from minor, etc) in place.

Would a smoking ban really hurt business even if every business were smoke free?

Absolutely. Look at the evidence from Minnesota. (link) Many of those for the smoking ban feel that a completely level playing field will increase the business of those already suffering from the earlier ban. However, there isn’t any hard financial evidence that a smoking ban is good for business. In fact, the study being used to say the benefits outweigh the costs use things like carpet and dry cleaning as a decreased cost. That logic shows that not having to clean your establishment can save the money you’d lose by not having customers. They can add this number twice because they assume you’ll have to clean your carpet less because of the smoking ban and even less because of the decline foot traffic directly related to the ban.

Do you think it’s right for the government to choose what a business can and can not do?

We believe in democracy. What the people believe to be right should be. With this issue, the people have already spoken. They voted to have a partial smoking ban that has been upheld. The majority chose to have the majority of places smoking free but believed that the minority of people who choose to smoke should have a limited number of places to do it.

What should the state do?

Obviously we want to keep the ban as is, but we will listen to the state without hesitation. People think Fargo is the tipping point to make the state go for an all out ban. We don’t want Fargo be the one to tell small town bars to close their doors because farmers would rather stay at home than gather at the bar. Fargo shouldn’t be the one to tell the people of Grand Forks, Bismark or Minot how they should work and live in their city. The entire state votes on who it wants to make to the rules. It shouldn’t be a small special interest group in Fargo.

How does the smoking ban effect charities, especially ones like the the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or Hockey and Gymnastics programs; programs where the participants can’t even drink or smoke?

Charitable gaming is one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to raise money for causes. Bars that hold charitable gaming are able to donate more when more people play. Again, we can learn a lot of from Minnesota. It’s estimated they lost over $95 million in charitable donations last year. If you think it’s just a Minnesota problem, sources in Fargo show losses of $200,000 since the partial ban took place. We have the potential to learn from Minnesota and keep our community programs strong.

Minnesota gets mentioned a lot. What about the bars in Moorhead? Is the F-M area being unfair?

What happened to the Moorhead businesses is unfortunate. It is important to keep money that could be spent in Fargo, and distributed in Fargo, IN Fargo. Fargo received a substantial amount of sales tax revenue that is immediately put back into the city for a better library, events center, or expansion and renovation. Taking the money out of Fargo will push business to West Fargo, Wahpeton or nearby casinos on reservations. Money spent in those places won’t be put back into our town. And if gambling is done on a reservation, that money isn’t used for local charities. Keep jobs in Fargo.

Isn’t it unfair to employees to be in a smoking work-place?

Those staffed at the 19 out of the 121 eating and drinking establishments know the potential risks for working in a smoking environment. Many choose these businesses over other businesses because they make more money. They choose to work where they do. They should have that right to choose.

Some say the Fargo Retailer’s Association is just mad at the city commissioners?

It’s more complicated than that. Our biggest complaint stems from two issues. First, we took steps to follow the smoking ordinance voted on by the people. Second, and most importantly, this issue was already voted on. Fargo, you chose to have this partial ban to be the way it is. What’s more terrifying, if this measure passes, the city commissioners will have the ability to change or modify any ordinance voted on by the city without another vote. Our vote will cease to matter. The city commissioners will be free to give in to the influence of specialty groups and the majority will be powerless to stop them.

How can I vote?

There are three options:

1. The Polls. Go to your precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, June 10. Polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. Find your precinct at www.casscountynd.gov
2. Early Voting. Fargo voters can go to the Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Avenue South, Fargo, to vote before the election. Early voting is available from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. a week before the election, June 2-6.
3. Absentee. If you are unable for any of the other times for any reason get an absentee application by calling the Cass County Auditor’s office at 241-5600 or by stopping by the office at 211 9th Street South, Fargo.