Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 11:32 a.m.
One doesn't have to pass through a cloud of cigarette smoke in the entrance of a grocery store to realize smoking is permitted in almost all places in Nevada.
But Clark County commissioners can't regulate smoking. The state has prohibited smoking in only two places -- buses and elevators.
Two advisory questions related to second-hand smoke were placed on the general election ballot with the blessing of commissioners. A third county-approved advisory question relates to increased property taxes to assist homeless programs.
The first smoking question asks whether the Clark County Board of Health should have the authority to adopt more strict regulations to protect people from secondhand smoke.
Proponents cite American Heart Associate statistics that support the belief that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease and cancer.
Advocates of the question say their primary goal is to prohibit smoking in restaurants, schools and grocery stores.
Opponents believe control should remain at the state level. If the county is given authority, the county's Board of Health will be given a "blank check."
The second smoking-related question asks the state to adopt a law prohibiting smoking in schools, grocery stores, restaurants and government buildings -- places frequented by children.
Authors of the proposal say designated smoking areas aren't effective because smoke travels outside the boundaries. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma, ear and sinus infections and bronchitis, they said.
Those against stricter laws said studies that show secondhand smoke is a prominent cause of death are inconclusive.
The third advisory question the county voted to place on the ballot addresses the homeless problem in Southern Nevada.
The question asks whether the county should lobby legislators to establish a Homeless Services and Affordable Housing Trust Fund and authorize commissioners to impose a one-cent property tax increase to fund it.
Proponents of the tax increase believe the community has a "basic moral and humanitarian responsibility to take care of the weakest and most vulnerable in our midst."
A 1999 study showed there were at least 6,700 homeless people in Southern Nevada. As shelters struggled financially, bed shortages became a problem and fewer mental and health needs were met. A trust that is funded will address the shortfalls, proponents say.
Opponents are skeptical the money will be used for the homeless. If a new agency is created to handle the trust, office and staffing costs would gobble up much of the funds for the first few years, they argued.
Both smoking questions and the homeless question are advisory, meaning if the voters approve them they still must be considered by the state Legislature.
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