ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Smokers are finding they can't just light up anywhere these days, and that could potentially include parts of Ashland Central Park.

On Tuesday night, Ashland mayoral candidates debated whether or not smoking should be allowed at one end of Central Park because of the litter and air pollution some people say it creates.

Steven Bailey is what some people might call a health nut; he even jogged in place during this interview.

"I'd love to see a ban," he said. "(Smoking) affects who is exercising."

About two years ago, King's Daughters Medical Center started a smoking ban inside the hospital and around the surrounding property. That's forcing many smokers to go across the street to the east end of Central Park, and it's causing quite a controversy.

There's talk of banning smoking in Central Park, which would please Bailey. He says the smoke affects his daily run.

"Sometimes when I pass somebody smoking, I have to focus harder, and it takes my breath away," he said.

While Bailey is not alone in supporting a smoking ban in parts of the park, others such as Theresa Stager said other issues need to be addressed. Stager, who works at KDMC, said she believes the city should clean up the cigarette butts, especially where the receptacles are overflowing. But she said smoking should be allowed.

"As far as joggers, there are paths everywhere," Stager said. "It's not like they're forced to come through here."

One mayoral candidate said designated areas near the hospital would help solve a problem that many say is taking away their rights. The mayoral candidates who favor a ban on public smoking in Central Park are Paula Hogsten and Chris Hammond. They also are the two who would like to see designated smoking areas. The other candidate, Tom Kelley, also supports a ban, but he is concerned how it would be enforced.