By Chris Taylor
Hopkinsville, KY – Hopkinsville Mayor Dan Kemp is pushing forward an initiative to support a statewide smoking ban in public places, including in workplaces, restaurants and bars. Kemp is asking the city council to take up what he calls a public health issue. The proposed resolution is expected to be discussed at a city council meeting tonight. Kemp put the resolution on the council's agenda at the request of Christian County Health Department Director Mark Pyle, citing statistics that find people exposed to secondhand smoke are 20-30% more likely to develop cancer. The Kentucky New Era reports the proposed statewide ban is being considered this session by state legislators.