Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Kids Get Smoking Ban on Ballot

Sixth grade students at a Middle School in Pearland, Texas were able to get a smoking ban placed on the ballot in the November 6th election. Not only that, but, due to their efforts the ordinance passed with nearly 80 percent of the vote. The ordinance bans smoking in restarants, auditoriums, stadiums and most public places.

The students decided to get involved after hearing a police officer's presentation about substance abuse, and a class discussion about second-hand smoke. A councilman was invited to speak to the class where the kids asked questions about how to get an issue on the ballot. They drew up a proposed ordinance and went door-to-door to get certified signatures which were required to get the ordinance put on the ballot. They then made a presentation to the city council, and received a standing ovation from the council members!

What a great lesson in civics - one that I'm sure those kids will never forget!