Editor: In an article published in Sunday's Tri-Valley Herald on the enforcement of Hayward's public smoking ban, Assistant City Manager Fran David is quoted at the end of the article saying, "Smoking is unattractive. Groups of people smoking can be intimidating to some people, and it may be preventing folks from shopping in Hayward."
David is certainly entitled to her opinion, but I wonder if she or the Hayward City Council has considered other reasons why shoppers may avoid Hayward, such as the trampling of liberty. If the majority of Hayward residents are in favor of such a ban, I'm all for self-governance, but there may be less of a flocking by shoppers toward the smoke-free city than expected, as some may find the big-brother tactics and the inhibition of freedom at least as distasteful and intimidating as a few wisps of cigarette smoke.
What's next? Will Hayward consider banning flatulence in public? Certainly public wind-breaking is unattractive and can be at least as, if not more offensive than a conscientious and considerate smoker.
There's definitely something in the air over there in Hayward, even if it's not tobacco smoke, and if I find myself there I'll still have reason to hold my nose.
Daniel Wells, Tracy