Smoking ban opponents fail to cite treasurer's name on campaign materials

The group working to get a smoking ban passed in Cape Girardeau has noticed that opponents have violated campaign material identification requirements by failing to cite the committee treasurer's name on fliers, brochures and yard signs.

But a spokesman for Citizens for a Smoke-Free Cape said Wednesday they do not intend to file a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission, the state agency responsible for election compliance issues.

"The committee has certainly noticed recently that they're not following the guidelines as they're set forth," said Smoke-Free Cape spokeswoman Sheri House. "But that's an internal conversation. We don't have any intention of filing a formal complaint about it. Our focus is we know what our group needs to be doing and we're staying focused on that. We not making any big deal about it."

Stand Up Cape, What's Next?, the group that opposes a smoking ban, put the information that they thought was required by state law, including who paid for the material and the committee's post office box, said member John Pruitt, who designed the materials.

"If/when we print more, I'm sure will make the change," Pruitt said in a written exchange. Stand Up Cape spokesman Doc Cain called it a "simple oversight" and added that his wife, Karen Cain, is the committee treasurer.

The smoking ban is on the April 5 ballot in Cape Girardeau. If the measure passes, it will prohibit smoking in all public workplaces, including bars, restaurants, casinos and private clubs.

Stacey Heislen, assistant director of the Missouri Ethics Commission, said they neither confirm nor deny whether complaints have been filed. If a complaint is received, the commission has the authority to issue written reprimands, levy fines of up to $1,000 or hold hearings before issuing findings.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO