06/17/2026
June 10, 2026, Letter to Editor about the June 8 City Council meeting. It gives us a closer look at how our council members think about making changes to make Wabash a healthier place to live.
I attended the May 26 and June 8 Wabash City Council meetings because a resolution was presented to the Council from the Wabash City Parks to make all city parks to***co free. This resolution was unanimously approved by the Park Board.
The City Council for the last several years has received information on the dangers of secondhand smoke, secondhand aerosol from e-ci******es, the poisons that seep from discarded cigarette butts, chew, and even e-ci******es. It affects our environment many different ways and are harmful to our children. Most people are respectful to the space of others and are conscientious about protecting our environment. It is the few that are not; which is the reason we have to protect ourselves with policies and ordinances.
The first reading went very well. All but one recognized the value of the ordinance for Wabash and the need to protect our children. Providing a better environment and promoting a healthier lifestyle was the focus. This ordinance was never about the rights of those that use to***co, it was about protecting our children and families from the harmful elements that comes from to***co use and the litter that it causes. All, except for the one, recognized that something should be done and voted to accept the City Park’s recommendation. One of the council members expressed the concern for his children and wanted to protect them from these elements and made the motion to accept the recommendation. The first reading passed.
The June 8 meeting was different. When the resolution was brought up for a vote, the one person against it spoke very strongly about why it was not a good idea. Mainly about the rights of the smoker. There is no consideration for the rights of those who want to breathe clean air. It was also said, it is an overreach for the government interfering with peoples’ lives. Yet there are policies and ordinances passed all the time to protect us from harmful actions of others. For instance, there are policies to have no alcohol, no drugs, no fi****ms in the park. And yet to***co causes more diseases and deaths of all those combined but it is okay to allow the use of it in our parks. I am trying to wrap my head around that.
After the council member spoke against the ordinance, other council members began to speak against it as well. One comment about a man who likes to smoke his cigar while he walks his dog in the park. Not considering those that walk their pets in the park and prefer clean air. An attendee brought that concern to the Council. I wish I understood how an ordinance like this takes away the “liberties” and rights of those who use to***co. Again, where are the liberties and rights of those who choose to not use any to***co? A council member brought up that those who use to***co are taxpayers and for some reason implied that gives them the right. We all are taxpayers. Are the taxes that are paid by to***co users more valuable than those who do not use to***co?
One more thought. About the council member at the first reading who expressed his concern for his children being exposed to secondhand smoke and the litter left on the ground. It was out of that concern, at least that is what I thought, he made the motion to accept the ordinance, then at the second reading voted against it. What happened to his children? Wasn’t that a concern any longer?
We are accountable for the decisions we make and the example we have to others. Over half our Major League Baseball parks do not allow to***co. According to the MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER TO***CO POLICY, “The use of all to***co products—including smokeless to***co, ci******es, and e-ci******es (collectively, “To***co Products”)—by Players is prohibited in any ballpark where such use is prohibited by state or local law or ordinance (“Prohibited Ball parks”). This prohibition shall apply on field during games. For purposes of this policy, “on field” shall include all areas of the ballpark that are visible to fans and/or broadcast cameras (e.g., the playing field, dugout, and bullpen).” The reason for this policy is because of the impression players have on children and youth.
The mayor, the three Council members, 10 attendees, and 8 letters of support from individuals and organizations brought strong support for the ordinance with compelling evidence to make our parks safe for children and everyone else who visits the parks. It seems like 4 of the seven council members did not hear a thing.
Our actions have consequences. It is important that we do the right thing. Wabash needs to be an influencer to our young people that any form of to***co is harmful and should not be acceptable in public places. The city needs to get on board to make Wabash a healthier place to live.
As I am approaching my final days as director of Wabash County To***co Free Coalition, it feels like I have failed at making Wabash a healthier place to live and our parks safe for everyone to enjoy. For that, I am sorry. However, my second thought is that our City Council has failed us by not providing the necessary protection.
I encourage the City Council to reconsider their action and make our parks safe for everyone by having a to***co free policy in place.
Respectively Submitted,
Dan Gray
