Smoking ban hurts Springfield bars and clubs

The State Journal-Register (Springfield) reports today that profits are down — way down — at Springfield bars and fraternal clubs thanks to a city-wide smoking ban:

[ILBA Executive Director Steve] Riedl also cited numbers showing Springfield bars and fraternal clubs reported to the [Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA)] revenue losses ranging from 7 percent to 70 percent between Sept. 18 and Oct. 10, 2006, when compared to the same time frame a year ago. The average revenue loss among the businesses was 25 percent, according to the ILBA.

Riedl said Springfield establishments provided the ILBA with gross sales figures from the two time periods. Riedl argued that such an approach paints a clearer picture of the ban’s economic impact.

Huh. That’s funny. I thought this ban was supposed to increase revenues. Weren’t all those disenfranchised non-smokers supposed to rush right out to the bars once the ban took effect?

“Any small business caters to the customers’ demands,” [bartender Vicki] Wilson said. “It’s a supply-and-demand business. And bless their hearts, the non-smokers just don’t really come in to the bars. I don’t think they did before the ban, and I don’t expect them to after the ban.”

The ILBA is now working to overturn the ban: “Riedl said one or more aldermen will introduce for first reading on Nov. 8 an ordinance that would exempt bars and fraternal organizations from the indoor [smoking] ban.”

More power to ’em. Keep an eye on this story because it won’t be long before Smoke-Free Illinois is knocking on Peoria’s door asking for an indoor smoking ban at bars and restaurants.

Endorsement: Stufflebeam for Governor

I think it’s beyond dispute that no one is happy with the Democratic or Republican candidates for Governor. Rod Blagojevich is beset by scandal. Judy Barr Topinka is “Republican” in name only. Many are looking for an alternative candidate, and I’m no exception.

The obvious choice, some say, is Green Party candidate Rich Whitney, who’s actually on the ballot with Blagojevich and Topinka, even if they won’t let him debate them. I’ve checked out his platform and he does have some positions that I find attractive (for instance, he’s pro-rail, anti-gambling, and supports a moratorium on genetically-modified foods in his ag policy). However, most of his positions are what one could call “left of center.”

In fact, that’s my major problem with the governor’s race overall. It looks more like a Democratic primary than a general election. This is especially pronounced when it comes to so-called “family values” issues. All three candidates on the ballot agree: they’re all pro-choice and anti-marriage-amendment.

So, I find myself looking around and thinking, who else? Am I really going to have to hold my nose and vote for the least offensive candidate instead of someone I can genuinely support?
Randy Stufflebeam
As it turns out, there is another choice: Randy Stufflebeam. He’s a write-in candidate for governor on the Constitution Party ticket. Randy was born in Chicago, but raised downstate in Canton, Illinois. He served in the United States Marine Corp for over 22 years, retiring in 2003.

Some may be tempted to pigeonhole Randy as a typical evangelical Republican candidate. While he does support some traditionally Republican stances (pro-life, pro-family, pro-school-choice), you may be surprised to learn that he’s also against NAFTA, CAFTA, and other such agreements because he believes they ultimately hurt U.S. workers — Illinois farmers, to name just one example. That’s a predominantly Democratic position, and one with which I agree.

On an issue that perhaps strikes a little closer to home, Randy supports tort reform to protect doctors from frivolous lawsuits; if doctors’ exposure to liability can be reduced, insurance rates would be lowered as a result, making health-care more affordable for everyone. To combat Illinois’ well-earned reputation for political corruption, Randy also has vowed not to take money from those doing business with the state of Illinois, and would eliminate no-bid contracts.

Do I agree with Stufflebeam’s stance on every issue? No. For example, I think his education plan doesn’t adequately address funding equity across affluent and poor communities. But do I agree with him on more issues than I agree with Blagojevich, Topinka, and Whitney? You bet. And really, who’s ever going to find a candidate with whom you’re in 100% agreement, unless you run for office yourself?

Some may view a vote for Stufflebeam as “throwing your vote away.” In one sense, that’s a fair criticism. I’m under no illusion that Stufflebeam — or any write-in candidate for that matter — is going to get much of a showing in this race. But on the other hand, if we all keep voting for one of the two major parties even when we think the candidates stink, I would contend that those votes are just as wasted. In both cases, you don’t get who you really want in office.

I’m not going to throw my vote away by voting for someone I can’t endorse. Thus, my endorsement goes to Randy Stufflebeam for Governor. He’s someone I can vote for.