The following are excerpts taken from statements published in the secretary of state’s publicity pamphlet on ballot propositions.
Prop. 201 proponents
“The National Organization for Women (NOW) encourages your YES vote on the “Smoke-Free Arizona” ballot measure, Proposition 201. We care about safe workplace conditions; in this instance, for young women who work hard offering wait service in restaurants, bars and taverns. They are entitled to a decent, smoke-free workplace.”
— Karen Van Hooft, state coordinator, spokesperson, Arizona NOW, Scottsdale; Eric Ehst, state coordinator, political action, Arizona NOW, Phoenix
Prop. 201 opponents
“I understand the needs to protect non-smokers and minors, but I also believe that property owners should have the right to serve their adult customers as they see fit. Don’t believe them when they say that smoking bans had no impact in Tempe.”
— Dave Werner, Scottsdale
Prop. 206 proponents
“We should not try to create a world of over-regulation of private businesses where bar owners are needlessly forced to turn many of their customers away. That’s not fair.”
— Fife Symington former governor of Arizona
Prop. 206 opponents
“Secondhand smoke is a public health hazard that causes cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness. Proposition 206 claims it removes secondhand smoke by using ventilation instead of prohibiting smoking in restaurants, bowling alleys and other establishments where alcohol is sold. The tobacco industry sponsor of Proposition 206 knows that ventilation technologies do not protect patrons against the harmful effects of breathing secondhand smoke. They are only interested in confusing voters about the measure that truly will protect us, Smoke-Free Arizona. The truth is the only way to keep smoke out of nonsmoking sections is to completely eliminate smoking indoors.”
— John Craft, vice president of Prevention & Early Detection, American Cancer Society, Great West Division, Fountain Hills; Sharlene R. Bozack, vice president of government relations, American Cancer Society, Great West Division, Tempe