At Friday's signing of a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz read an email letter he had received in favor of the ban.
The letter was from Jillian Myers, an 8th grade student at Transit Middle School. Myers and her sister attended a meeting on e-cigarettes at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She said speaking at that gathering inspired her to write to the County Executive, encouraging him to ratify the ban. Myers said she’s never used e-cigarettes – a practice commonly known as 'vaping.'
"But I have seen people smoke it and it’s not pleasant,” said Myers.
At the signing on Friday, Poloncarz stressed that residents should have the opportunity to enjoy public places safely. He noted that reports now indicate second-hand vapor has harmful effects to those who may be near it. Myers has avoided such an experience.
“I saw people smoke but I didn’t breathe in any of the air,” Myers said.
Poloncarz said the law ensures the health and welfare of the county’s citizens, and now that it’s been signed, Myers said, “I’m very proud that he passed the law.”
