This is in response to the recent smoking ban by the Duluth City Council ("Council: No smoking on Lakewalk," Sept. 11). Though I do not live in Duluth, I do have an opinion.
First, this is an unenforceable law.
And second, I agree with Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson (something I thought I would never do) who said that one area of the city shouldn't be singled out. I realize the city is trying to deter smoking of illegal substances, but I am sure this is going on citywide. If the city is going to institute something, it should do so citywide.
Yes, discarded cigarette butts are annoying. So are paper cups, cans, trash, etc., especially when discarded
2 feet away from a trash can. So pass a law that people can't drink or eat on the Lakewalk, either.
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And then what about those filthy birds? People continue to feed them because they think it is cute. It's not cute when you get a glob of their excrement on your head or in your food when you are eating outside. I rarely go down and enjoy the area anymore because of this. So make a law that people can't feed them anymore.
Such laws are unenforceable. Is the city going to put on extra manpower to try to keep people in check?
The no-smoking-on-the-Lakewalk law is going to go down as one of the silliest laws on the books. I am sure there are more urgent needs the City Council needs to address.
Claudia Porter
Poplar
