WASHINGTON – If you ask Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen what will be up for debate among Maryland lawmakers early in 2013, she will tell you smoking on county property is definitely on the table.
Floreen, who is a cancer survivor, proposed a bill that would ban smoking on all county-owned and leased properties, with the only exception being sidewalks and bus shelters. County residents will have their say on the potential ban at a public hearing slated for Jan. 15.
Two days later, the council will focus on trees. There will be a hearing on bills to protect roadside trees and tree canopy preservation in the county.
Floreen is also an advocate of more bike lanes in the county. Later in the month, the council will examine a plan to bring a bike sharing program and supplemental funding to Montgomery County. The bike sharing program would be similar to D.C.’s bike sharing system.
Montgomery County councilmembers are currently on a break. But when they return to session, they will also consider whether county workers should be able to take smoking breaks.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow @KateRyanWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
