The city manager, city attorney, was "a little knowledge" cigarette operation

Hampton Police Chief Charles R. Jordan Jr. said City Manager Hampton, and its top lawyer was "very little knowledge" of the secret police sting cigarette business, which has been in operation for 19 months. Jordan said on Monday that the City Manager Mary Bunting and City Attorney Cynthia Hudson did not know the details of the investigation - including the millions of dollars flowing through the account of covert operations - while it was under way. "It has been a long practice, the provision of this organization to limit the impact of these secret operations for persons with 'need to know," said the statement by Jordan, issued by the office of communications on Monday. "Therefore, and in accordance with the policy in the past, Mary Bunting and Cynthia Hudson had very little knowledge about this secretly operation." It was not until someone came to him with a complaint about police misconduct, January 27 - bringing Jordan to shut down the entire operation - that Jordan gave Hudson and oatmeal detailed investigation, he said Tuesday. "They really became involved when I saw the red flag, and I need to work with them, to see how we are going to handle it," said Jordan. "They have become much more aware of when I shut down the operation and there were problems, and I came to him with a" Hey, here's the situation. That's when they got a much more detailed briefing." The police set up a fake company, Blue Tobacco water as part of a secret operation to deal with the people involved in the illegal trafficking of cigarettes and related crimes. The investigation has not produced the arrests, however, for more than one and a half years in operation. But more than $ 3 million flowed through the company's account at Langley Federal Credit Union, according to the records of the city. Most of this money was used to constantly replenish the cigarette supply company. But some of them have been spent on nine new cars and trucks, electronics, and is in the officer training trip to New York, Las Vegas and other cities. City officials did not respond to questions about which, if any, outside the Hampton Police Department knew of the ongoing investigation into the cost of cigarettes or approved of it. At the request of Jordan on Monday, "just knowing" oatmeal and Hudson had surgery before it was discontinued in April, came about in 2011, when he discussed with them how to accept a gift that Hampton Police Department was scheduled to receive from cigarette maker. This was about nine months after the surgery. Jordan said in an interview Tuesday that Bunting and Hudson were involved only for the "limited purpose" of obtaining the necessary permits the City Council to accept the gift. Even then, he said, he did not share many details with them about the cost or anything. "They knew about the decision," said Jordan. "They do not know anything about the operation itself, as we did, as we talk about it every day. They just do not know any details about it." He said, oatmeal and Hudson were "basic knowledge" of the gift - that he had to come with safety hand cigarette manufacturer. "They will be informed of the nature of the work, when we finally shut it down," Jordan said Tuesday. "We had hoped to celebrate makes a lot of arrests and show the link between this type of exploitation and violent crime in the community." Hampton City Council, which approves the budget of the Police Department, has never subscribed to the cost Tobacco blue waters. In addition, they have never said more than $ 700,000 in the bank Blue Water, while Daily Press told them about it in September, eight months after the secret cigarette business was closed. During the sit-down interview two weeks ago, Jordan was vague about anyone outside the Hampton Police Department to control or approved expenditures from the account Tobacco blue waters. When asked whether the city will approve expenditures, he said: "Not necessarily," but did not give a definitive answer, saying that the policy of the city is expected to be met. In the same interview on September 27, Jordan said oatmeal was aware of the secret operation of cigarettes, as it was in motion, "Does she know about the work that we have done the surgery? Jordan said in the same interview that the Hudson, too, has been consulted. "We've had numerous conversations with the lawyer of the city, in particular, on the various aspects of it," he said then. "We have received their advice on how to do certain things ... For me it's a good checks and balances when you know someone as notable as Cynthia Hudson or in the office of her lawyer to comment on some things ... It is very insightful, knowledgeable lawyer, and I'm taking her advice. I respect it. " Later in the day the Daily News reporter asked other city officials to confirm this statement, Hudson told a reporter she would call Jordan to discuss the matter and get back to the daily press. But she never called back. Jordan explained Tuesday that he may think of the Commonwealth Attorney Linda Curtis, with whom he said he had discussed the operation. Or, Jordan said, he could have just thought about conversations with Hudson, associated with the gift of ruling. In turn, Curtis said Daily Press she had no involvement in the secret operation of cigarettes, as it went on, though, she said that she was informed about it in advance.

East Bethel approves new rules for alcohol, tobacco sale violation

East Bethel City Council May 2 Made some changes to its regulations regarding alcohol and tobacco sales violations in order to give themselves more freedom of action for violation of, and clearly indicate that the license holder and not the official face financial penalties from the city.

Any business that sells tobacco products a person under 18 years of age or alcohol to a person under the age of 21 violates the law, and must pass a criminal case in Anoka County Court, which could lead to fines and community service to the clerk, who sold the goods. The City Council also has the ability to accept his punishment, including fines, community service, if the decisions on the spot, to show what can happen. In the old East Bethel ruling tobacco sales, the first violation may result in the license holder be fined $ 150. A second violation within 24 months means that the $ 300 fine. The officer would face a lower fine. In accordance with the new regulation of tobacco, the Council may at its discretion and not issue any fines for the first or second offense. The Council has some discretion to sell alcohol violations, but less than in the tobacco ordinance. Public works may still be a part of the punishment. The officer will not deal with the city administrative penalty in accordance with the new tobacco and alcohol sales regulations. Councilmember Heidi Moegerle on May 2 meeting suggested the possibility of leniency for the first two violations. Tobacco ruling in May 2nd package board included such statements as "First violation: the city imposes the civil penalty of up to $ 150." According to City Attorney Mark Vierling, the words "up to $ 150" means the Council can theoretically issue a $ 1 fine and will not be obliged to charge a $ 150 license holder as it would under the old decree. Moegerle said that people will read the regulations differently, so she wanted to replace the word "shall" with "May", so it is clear that the board may issue a warning and a fine. "I love you, more options," she said. Moegerle said the same treatment should be given to the order the sale of alcohol. The first violation of the license fee to $ 500, and the second violation and $ 1,000. However, Councilmember Robert DeRoche Jr. and then Mayor Richard Lawrence said that they feel people are selling alcohol to minors more serious than the sale of tobacco products that they wanted the word "will" in the first two violations, and replace the word " be ». Moergele agreed to change its position. However, future councils are still condescending, as a warning that the penalty could be "up to" a certain amount. The resolution also makes clear that the council will refuse to license a penalty for a first offense, or reduce the penalty for the violation, if the future holder of the license may be that the officer received training responsible beverage service. If the licensee has failed to prove within 14 days from the date of violation, that the clerk had already completed their training, the Council may suspend or revoke the license if the business has multiple violations within two years. Vierling will be concerned about the permanent organs in the future, he said. If the council does not penalize the licensee for a business that sells alcohol or tobacco products to minors face, following the offender may challenge the city if they are fined. Council on a 3-0 vote approved the changes in alcohol and tobacco sales regulations. Councilmember Bill Boyer and Steve Voss absent May 2 meeting when the decision was made. This topic has been in the field of view of the town since February. It all started after the council held a hearing on January 18 blue ribbons Pines Disc Golf. In Anoka County Sheriff's Office investigator Mike Valentin, 17-year-old woman working with him on the case verify that bought a bottle of Coors Light beer from Richard Jordan, August 31, 2011 in blue pine belt. Richard's father and owner of the business license holder Ray Jordan. Moegerle made a motion to refuse the license and the clerk is fine as long as the business has proved within 90 days that employees have completed the training of responsible beverage service. According to Ray Jordan, father of Richard was helping with the golf course drive the family and landscape business, but was not prepared for the sale of alcohol. He just filled in, as a clerk during the sale, because he saw someone in need. The Council finally approved the reduction in license fee of $ 250, if the business proved a skilled staff to the importance of asking for identification of anyone who wants to buy alcohol. Voss said the license holders should be held accountable for their actions. If the purpose of the Council that the first time, the offender shall be fined, the decision should be changed to reflect this, he said. Over the next three months, the council and Vierling worked on rewriting the regulations and the law has developed a new hearing, declare that this process will, when the violation occurs. The hearing decision provides an opportunity to hire a board official, for example, the judge retired to work to take readings. Council could still make a final decision on punishment.

SMH campus going tobacco-free

Nurse at Southampton Memorial Hospital, Rickmond have to leave the grounds to smoke when in the hospital is a tobacco-free campus on November 8. "I tend to try to give up," 49-year-old Franklin woman said. "It's about time. I've smoked since I was 13 years old." The ban means that visitors and employees can more light on the area, which includes parking, serving hospitals, four medical institutions and East Pavilion nursing home, said Ann Williams, director of marketing. Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings. The ban will also include areas Courtland Medical Center and Total Care family near the Belk department store on Armory Drive in Franklin. To help the estimated 10 percent of the 425 hospital employees who smoke free smoking cessation program will be offered to them and their families, Williams said. Rickmond plans to participate. "I plan to take advantage of every tool," she said. "As a long-term smoker, I know it will be a problem." Study in April marking Franklin as one of the least healthy communities in Virginia inspired the ban, said Williams. In a study of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Franklin takes a hundred and twenty-seventh of the 131 cities and counties in health. Results were associated with high levels of unemployment and poverty. The study found that 22 percent of Franklin smoke, which is 3 percentage points higher than the average state. "It makes sense for us to be a leader in the community, to make people healthier," said Williams. "We are a health care provider community." The hospital will provide free nicotine patches to employees and cessation counselors. Nicotine gum and tablets will be offered to visitors and staff, she said. Employees currently smoke in their cars, parking lots and outside the hospital, where benches and ashtrays are provided, Williams said. Rickmond, clinical coordinator of the medical surgical floor, goes to his car to smoke on privacy. "Smoking has always been the kind of conflict for me," she said. "I am very careful public smoker, but you want to live, what you teach." "I smoked for many years and do not get the same pleasure," Rickmond continued to say. "It's very expensive, and I am in the minority now. My life tends to choose healthy foods, exercise and diet." "(If they want to smoke), they should be on our property," Williams said. "Of course, we do not recommend them to go out or get on someone else's property. We really try to encourage our employees to take advantage of this opportunity to become healthier and give them the tools they need to quit smoking." "We're not trying to punish our smoking or our employees," she added. "It's a personal choice." Hospital smoking bans * Visitors and staff will have to leave the base Southampton Memorial Hospital smoking when the hospital is a tobacco-free campus on November 8. * Affected areas include parking lots that serve the hospital, four medical institutions and East Pavilion nursing home, according to officials. * Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings. * The ban will also include areas Courtland Medical Center and Total Care family near the Belk department store on Armory Drive in Franklin. * Hospital staff who smokes will be offered free smoking cessation programs for them and their families

Tobacco: Some Facts

I agree with much of the editorial on the new rules of smoking , but I can not agree with some points. Editorial justification for the taking of further restrictions on smoking in public places sound, but uses the absurd reduction ad technique to make the law appears unworkable. He claims that 10 million are generally designed to prevent toxic cloud of smoke drifting in the building phalanx smokers gathered at the entrance, it would work only if smokers were forced to carry the tape. One could also say that there should be no alcohol limit for drivers, if all equipped with breathalyzer. It ignores common sense. Most people know that there is a limit to how many drinks they can have if they want to move. In addition, most people know the difference between 10 cm and 10 meters. The law recognizes the essential difference between compliance and blatant disrespect. In addition, some centers have already implemented a rule, setting pointers 10m away from the entrance, saying that there is no smoking at this point. The case for plain packaging is also strong. Its purpose is to protect young people from starting. Studies show that young people "as" the regular updates and to find a simple package "boring." The package as a status symbol is more important for young people than for adults. Plain packaging will also remove the ability of cigarette companies falsely suggest that some brands, such as "light" and "low-tar" are less harmful than regular cigarettes. Arguments that tobacco is a legal or that South African court will come to a different conclusion from those in Australia do not carry any weight. Slavery and apartheid were legal, but that does not make them right. Tobacco can be legal, but it is also deadly, and it should be adjusted depending on the amount of damage it does. The law does not confer immunity from regulation. Finally, there is little doubt; a South African court will uphold the constitutionality of the just-packaging rules. In June, rejecting the call to British American Tobacco SA ban on advertising of tobacco products, the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein ruled: "There can be no doubt that the Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from the devastating effects of tobacco," and that "a ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco is reasonable and justified. " The Constitutional Court upheld the decision. Both the Australian and South African courts have come to the same conclusion: that the measures proposed for the regulation of tobacco sound, reasonable and based on evidence.