Dori Monson supports smoking ban in King County parks

The King County Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would prohibit tobacco use in heavily used parts of the county’s park system, and Dori said he’s all for the proposed ban. (AP Photo)

The King County Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would prohibit tobacco use in heavily used parts of the county’s park system, and 97.3 KIRO FM host Dori Monson said he’s all for the proposed ban.

“This would be another huge step down the road in this war against smokers. And I am fine with this,” said Monson.

Monson said he gets a lot of flack for his position on this issue.

“I get called out all the time ‘You call yourself a Libertarian, but you’re for a smoking ban?’ Yeah I am,” said Monson.

In a discussion of the perceived conflict, Monson explained how he sees his position being consistent with Libertarianism.

“Libertarianism means that you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t negatively affect someone else,” said Monson. “Because of the nature of this particular addiction, where you force your addiction on the people around you, I think bans are entirely appropriate.”

“Why should we let people walk around getting their smoke on strangers?” said Monson.

If the county adopts the ordinance, signs will be posted in heavily-used areas of the parks.

A county survey said 70 percent of respondents support smoke-free public places.

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor