My comments to the Elk Grove Village Board about Tobacco 21

There is a preponderance of scientific and medical evidence as to why tobacco products are dangerous to those who use them and those who are around them

Mayor Johnston, Village Trustees, my fellow residents; Good afternoon.
My name is Scott Saxe, and I’ve been a resident of Elk Grove Village for over 17 years.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today regarding Tobacco 21.
While there is a preponderance of scientific and medical evidence as to why tobacco products are dangerous to those who use them and those who are around them, I’ll leave that topic to the medical and scientific professionals in the room.
Throughout this community, there are signs welcoming people to The Village and declaring ourselves to be “The Exceptional Community”. At each of our schools, there are banners stating that ‘Character counts’.
I’d like to focus on those 2 things.
Exceptional is defined as ‘better than average’ or ‘deviating from the norm’.
Character is ‘one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual’.
What makes us exceptional is not just the lower taxes, the quality schools, the bike paths, public services, park districts, and business friendly atmosphere. What makes us exceptional are the people. The residents who live here, the businesses that employ here, and those who visit here. What makes us exceptional is leadership that fosters a community of inclusiveness, of character, and of healthy lifestyles.
We are exceptional in many ways in comparison to surrounding communities, and in the fact that we are considering raising the age on tobacco products from 18 to 21. Putting public health first, especially the health of our school age children, is a measure of good leadership and community responsibility.
There are those who will argue about the impact on local businesses and the reductions of personal freedoms. It is true that we all want to support businesses in the community and see them thrive, but they’ve already seen diminished tobacco sales due to lower tax rates in DuPage County.
There is a disparity between Counties on many levels, as there are between communities. In Elk Grove, we recognize that, and embrace it.
Status quo is not what we strive for in Elk Grove Village. We deviate from the norm; we are better than average; we are exceptional.
Another argument is around personal freedom and choice. While we do live in a free society, we are a society governed by laws. This set of rules is what establishes and maintains a community. As a community, we owe it to ourselves and to each other, to promote an environment of public health and public safety.
I can appreciate Trustee Franke’s position on overreach, but Jefferson himself said “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness.”
Smoking may be an individual choice, but the effects of smoking affect not just the smokers, but all those around them. When individual decisions impact public health and safety, we must act.
While that may not be a popular position among all here today, it does show character. What makes us exceptional is not ignoring a problem, but tackling it head on. What shows our character is standing by those exceptional ideals, even when it’s not popular.
We owe it to the very students we’re trying to teach character to, to set the example. If we cannot lead by example today, what type of education are we giving the leaders of tomorrow?
In 2007, Elk Grove Village took the lead before the State of Illinois banned smoking in public places, and enacted a ban of its own.
That showed character.
We must show that same character today, and ensure that Elk Grove Village remains committed to being exceptional in health services for our residents.
None of us like being told what we can or cannot do. We do, however, have a responsibility to our community; the exceptional community.
As Lincoln reminded us years ago:
“The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.”
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you, work with you, and continue to make Elk Grove Village exceptional.
Have a wonderful day.