The Shreveport city council voted to a partial repeal of the Smoke Free ordinance at its meeting yesterday (Tues.) This will allow the casinos to have smoking in large areas of their boats.

Council members Tabatha Taylor, Gary Brooks, James Green and Urusla Bowman voted to allow smoking in large areas in Sam's Town and Bally's casinos.

Council members Grayson Boucher and Jim Taliaferro voted against the amendment to allow smoking.

Council member Alan Jackson was on vacation. He missed the Mon. work session and yesterday's regular meeting.

Here are good reason for Mayor Arceneaux to veto the amendment to allow casino smoking:

1. Yesterday's meeting was the first time casino representatives and others spoke FOR the amendment.

Thus the general public did not have time to respond to their statements. (In Friday's FOCUS SB I am publishing the statement of one casino representative and will be happy to publish a second statement. I have previously published two editorials opposed to the amendment.)

2. The conflicting data by those pushing the amendment and those opposing it requires careful study and analysis, as well as confirmation by the Mayor. And deservedly so.

3. An ordinance/amendment making a substantial change with far- reaching impact should be voted upon by ALL the council members. The general public and the constituents of council members should know the positions taken by their representatives.

The mayor has seven days from receipt of the amendment for the council clerk to exercise a veto. It is expected this will on his desk tomorrow, and no later than Friday.

A veto by the mayor can be overridden by a vote of five council members. It is important note that the amendment was only approved by four members yesterday.

If vetoed the amendment can be re-introduced at the June 12 council meeting and then voted upon on June.27. This delay is not that burdensome for the casinos.

Mayor Tom is urged to seriously consider a veto.