Mayor Johnson,
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
I was a cigarette smoker for approximately forty years. I tried every imaginable method to kick the habit. Nicotine patches were either ineffective, or gave me horrible nightmares when worn overnight. Nicotine gum was either too weak to be effective, or so strong it caused nausea. Nicotine lozenges had the same affect as the gum. Wellbutrin made me borderline suicidal. Cold turkey cost me a marriage.
The only thing that has allowed me to both stop the cigarettes and maintain a semblance of normalcy has been vaping, or as many call it the use of "e-cigarettes." I started in August of this year, and haven't felt the need to purchase a tobacco cigarette since, nor have I done so. I have systematically been reducing my nicotine intake with very little discomfort. I am now vaping liquids with my nicotine intake one-quarter of what it was on the tobacco cigarettes.
My doctor has noticed and commented on the improvement in my health during this time. My lung function is much, much better, blood pressure lower, and I have gotten to the point where I can run a mile in eight minutes or less, something I've been unable to do in over twenty years.
There are multiple studies that have shown that nicotine in and of itself is about as harmful and addictive as caffeine. Anyone who eats tomatoes, potatoes or eggplant is consuming nicotine.
It has come to my attention that vapor (or 'e-cigarette') shops in your jurisdiction have been singled out to have their business licenses revoked, and on extremely short notice.
There are several factors which combine to make this a poor policy decision.
Jobs. Is it really a wise decision in the current business climate to take actions that close businesses and cost people their jobs? While I'm sure it's not a large number of voters, I'm sure that they will not appreciate their jobs being taken away, and vote accordingly.
Health. While it's very popular to say, "we just don't know enough about them," that statement in and of itself should be enough to make one take pause prior to enacting legislation to discourage the behavior. My own physician has recognized and commented on the positive effects of vaping versus smoking. Making such devices and liquids more difficult to obtain will have the effect of keeping people on tobacco cigarettes. Is keeping people on cigarettes really a cause anyone wants to be aligned with?
Consistency. Trust. What of the people who did their due diligence prior to either going deeply in debt or sinking their life savings into a business? Too bad, so sad? They were told that there would be no issue, and now the rug is being yanked from beneath them? Do you really want to be seen as indifferent to small businesses, the backbone of our country? These are the same people who already have the type of drive it takes and are being supplied the motivation to campaign either for or against someone in coming elections. Which way do you wish to nudge them?
Please reconsider this action. It would be great to see you come out on the side of jobs, health and justice.
Again, thanks for your time.
