Some area politicians like smoking ban bill

Publication Date: 2006-06-12

• Author:Richard Fellinger
• Publication:Chambersburg (PA) Public Opinion

A plan to ban smoking in most indoor public places has ignited debate in the Capitol, but its future is hazy.

The bill from Rep. Sue Cornell, R-Montgomery, was dealt a blow when a House committee deadlocked on it last week, but supporters are undeterred. They vow to seek compromises and keep pushing it.

Several area lawmakers back the bill.

"Smoking is about the dumbest thing anybody can possibly do," Rep. Stephen Maitland, R-Gettysburg, said.

Maitland and Rep. Patrick Fleagle, R-Waynesboro, voted for the bill when it failed to pass the House Health and Human Services Committee on a 14-14 tie. They are the only local lawmakers on the committee.