I am writing in response to Deborah Danuski (May 13).

As a musician, I am thrilled that Gov. Baldacci supports An Act to Protect Workers from Secondhand Smoke and to Promote Worker Safety. I have lost too many musician friends to smoking-related illnesses.

Gov. Baldacci and 12 of the 13 members of the Health and Human Services Committee believe that all workers deserve to work in a smoke-free environment.

I was just one of many individuals who shared with legislators a story of working is smoke-filled bars. I heard stories of non-smoking bar workers getting so sick that they had to take new jobs with drastic pay cuts. And, I heard others who put up with persistent coughs, sinus problems and bronchial infections because new jobs are hard to find.

I also heard stories from bar owners who realize the risk they are putting themselves and their employees in by allowing patrons to smoke, but are nervous about going smoke-free voluntarily.

Finally, I heard stories from other musicians, like myself, who refuse to work in smoke-filled bars and have noticed a difference in their health and capabilities as musicians ever since, but who are limited in venue.

I perform in a lounge that went smoke-free two years ago. At the beginning, yes, some of the smokers stayed home, but non-smokers came and took their place, and eventually most of the smokers returned.

It was then, and should be now, all about the music.

Nick Knowlton, Lewiston

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