The convention center was split evenly down the middle at last night’s forum, with backers of the city’s proposed smoking ordinance sitting on one side and protesters on the other.

As members of each contingent spoke at the meeting, one side would applaud, while the other sat in silence.

Members of the public, including business owners, smokers, non-smokers and public health advocates

addressed city council members regarding the city’s proposed ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

“If you’ll read the headlines you’ll find out that cigarettes didn’t kill anybody here (in Selma),” Sheri Brown, one of the citizens speaking at the meeting, “guns did. We had a man get killed at a carwash.”

Brown, a smoker, questioned the priorities of the council, as many of the ordinance’s opponents did.

Other opponents said the ordinance would cut down on local business revenues.

Bob Green runs a cigar stand in the Swamp, a local bar. He said the ordinance would destroy that business.

“We’re the only cigar friendly bar that I know of in Selma,” he said. “You guys are trying to put me out of business.”

Others just didn’t want undue restrictions on their businesses.

Misty Fredrickson, co-owner of Major Grumbles, made it clear that she didn’t want the ordinance.

“There’s not a single person in this room that dislikes smoking more than I do,” she said. “But don’t tell me how to run my business.”

The smoking ordinance prohibits smoking in all public areas, including bars and restaurants. Exceptions are made for private vehicles and private establishments, including social clubs.

Public health officials say the ordinance is necessary to protect non-smokers in the city from the negative effects of smoking.

“Approximately 35,000 Americans die each year from the effects of second-hand smoke,” John Wilson of the American Heart Association said. “I’m here to urge the Council to adopt the ban on smoking.”

Others said plainly that non-smokers didn’t have to go to restaurants and bars that allow smoking.

“If you don’t want to breathe second-hand smoke” Green said, “don’t come to my restaurant.”

Many of those opposed said the issue wasn’t just about whether or not non-smoking customers wanted to be around but about the rights of employees at smoking establishments.

They also cited the related medical costs to taxpayers in the Dallas/Perry County area, which according to them top $3 million each year.

Others just felt they shouldn’t have to be around smoke in restaurants or bars.

“I used to go out to the club all the time,” Synethia Pettaway said. “Now I’m not able to because of the smoke. People who really care about other people don’t mind a smoking ordinance.”

Virginia Jackson, part of the Dallas/Perry County Smoke Free Coalition, agreed with Pettaway. She said the atmosphere at places aren’t welcoming to non-smokers.

“You are engulfed in smoke,” she said.

Jackson said it’s the primary reason she doesn’t visit clubs.

“That’s not a lifestyle that I frequent,” she said.

The Rev. Lee Goodwin was suggested a middle course.

“As I looked at the ordinance there can be some reason,” he said. “Maybe bars can be exempted. Give restaurants some choice.

I think that we ought to look at the ordinance from a reasonable view.”

City Council members at the meeting – Dr. Geraldine Allen, Johnnie Leashore, Dr. Cecil Williamson, Jannie Venter, Jean Martin and Council President George Evans and Mayor James Perkins Jr. – said they took a lot from the meeting.

Perkins said the forum gave him a lot to consider.

“I learned a lot of things,” he said. “I look forward to discussing it.”

Venter said she would continue discussing the issue.

“Personally, I can’t stand smoke but to just say ban it completely, I think that’s stretching it too far,” she said. “It will be discussed to the fullest.”

Evans said he appreciated everyone who attended.

“This is the first time that (business owners) came here in large numbers,” he said. “I appreciate that.”

As far as the ordinance, Evans said work would still need to be done.

“I think that’s something we need to work through,” he said.

Williamson was opposed to the ordinance as it stands.

“City government doesn’t need to tell people how to run their business,” he said. “We need to be worried about crime and fiscal (responsibility).”