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Updated: 11:45 PM Feb 18, 2010
Legislation Could Give People a Say in Health Department Decisions
Now, only those on the health department board get a say in regulations -- and those on the board are appointed by Huntington City Hall and the Cabell County Commission, not voted in by the public.
Posted: 11:45 PM Feb 18, 2010Reporter: Brad Myers Email Address: brad.myers@wsaz.com |
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28 Comments 
CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The battle over Cabell County's smoking ban could lead to changes at health departments across the state of West Virginia.
The expanded ordinance would force smokers to snuff out their cigarettes at bars and video lottery parlors across the county.
Now, a Cabell County Delegate has come up with some legislation that he claims will help give the public a say in health department regulations. Now, only those on the health department board get a say in regulations -- and those on the board are appointed by Huntington City Hall and the Cabell County Commission, not voted in by the public.
Delegate Doug Reynolds came up with the proposed legislation after citizens got upset about the Cabell-Huntington Health Department's decision in January to extend the smoking ban. The proposed legislation could mean county commissioners would have the final say in health laws.
"This is a terrible mistake," Dr. Harry Tweel said.
He's the director of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department and he says if the new bill goes through, his organization and many others like it in the state would suffer
"This really opens Pandora's box and essentially makes the county commission the board of health," Tweel said.
"What Delegate Reynolds is trying to do is pass that bill that says there is an appeal process from the Cabell-Huntington Health Department or any health department in the country," Cabell County Commissioner Bob Bailey said. "In other words, when they make a decision -- if the people want to appeal it -- they can come before the County Commission."
Bailey said it all comes down to giving the power back to the people and letting them decide what health laws are best for them, but other County Commissioners aren't sure the public are the right entity to make health decisions.
"I really don't believe the County Commission is the place to appeal decisions made by the Health Department," Cabell County Commissioner Nancy Cartmill said. "Those (the Health Department) are the folks with expertise to do it. And to send it to a group that doesn't have expertise doesn't make sense to me."
"I don't know if we are the right agency to do the appeals, but I do believe there's should be some appeal process," Cabell County Commissioner Scott Bias said.
Commissioner Bias doesn't think the current system is perfect.
"I don't think a board should be able to pass a law when they don't stand before the people for elections," he said.
Dr. Tweel says the public can challenge any law passed by the health department by appealing to the state commissioner.
Latest Comments
Well first off, I am not from wv. I live in Ohio. In my opinion the health department being allowed to make these decisions is wrong. I am a smoker and I feel that there has to be some way that I can enjoy a cigarette after a meal or while drinking a beer without having to go outside. I know smoking is not healthy but I don't need someone to remind me of that each time I light up. I am tired of nonsmokers acting like they are better than smokers. I have just as much id a right to be in an establishment as a nonsmoker. Let voters decide if they want smoking banned or not.
Mr. Reynolds for governor!!!!!!! we the people thats All of us if you remember have a right in the state and country,remember if it were not for us smokers, you people in health care would not have a job! I fought and killed and spilled blood in nam for this state and country and if by god I want to smoke a cig and drink a beer I will!!!WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THIS COUNTRY!!! Everyone dies sooner or later, it dont mean nothing,live longer health care gets more money while you lay in a rest home and they take your home for the bill,so everyone should live and have fun in any why they choose too, for I and many others have fought and died for you to do this,Please clean your own house befor you start on mine or someones elses and you will find your house is in need of a better cleaning than ours.
To MrKnowItAll -- Well Said
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