Pearls of Wisdom

As I was sitting this morning at Starbuck’s outside café with fellow blogger, David Sarnoff, and one other parent, we could not avoid the deluge of smoke from the usual group of patrons who occupy this area.   As a non-smoker and an individual who is allergic to smoke to the point where I have difficulty breathing, I had no option but to retreat and go to work.

 Starbucks outdoor café in Whiteman Plaza on Lemoine Avenue is a hop, skip, and a jump from School #1.  A great number of parents and children walk through the plaza on the way to School #1 in the morning and on their way home in the afternoon and must endure the Starbucks regulars who have no consideration whatsoever for the fact that their smoking is injurious to the passing children. 

Secondhand smoke has been proven scientifically to be a toxic substance to adults, particularly dangerous to children.  Many communities have banned smoking from parks and community areas.   A few communities have now begun implementing local regulations to restrict smoking in outdoor cafes and restaurants.  Maybe the time is now for Fort Lee to add its name to the growing list.    While the smokers will again feel the pain of further restrictions and “discrimination”, it is in the best interests of our community.  

 Mayor Sokolich and the Town Council have a great number of important issues on the Fort Lee agenda in coming months.   But what could be more important than the wellbeing of our children, the future leaders of our community?   I sincerely hope that they will listen to the citizens of Fort Lee and implement new regulations to protect the public; 2011 is the perfect year to do so.