It seems Lewiston city councilors have been bothered by smokers in Kennedy Park. Those retired men and women, life-long city taxpayers, can no longer sit on a park bench having a cigarette while feeding the pigeons and enjoying a nice sunny day in the public’s park.

Before you know it, their presence may be objectionable.

I wonder how a police officer would feel enforcing a no-smoking ban to a veteran home from Iraq?

I can certainly see the value of banning smoking on all Lewiston School Department properties, playgrounds and athletic sporting events. There is no question in my mind that smoking where children congregate should be banned.

But to deprive senior citizens their right to enjoy a cigarette in a large open area, especially since the children’s play areas are at the opposite side of Kennedy Park, is ludicrous.

People can’t smoke in hospitals, outside of hospitals, in restaurants, etc. Wouldn’t it be easier to pass a law banning all smoking?

Now, councilors are asking their staff to come up with a plan to create a park space for dogs, so they can enjoy a beautiful, sunny day enjoying the scenery. I wonder what the cost factor will be for that project.

Aren’t there more important issues to deal with than banning smoking in the city park?

I’ll tell you, the parks are going to the dogs.

Daniel R. Lalonde Sr., Lewiston