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082 <br />This game has gone on long enough... and that is just what it has become ...a political <br />game. <br />I have practiced law here in Sanford for many years and have usually enjoyed the <br />company of my colleagues. Never would I have thought that I would ever feel the <br />necessity to write a letter to clarify matters for those that apparently are going to remain <br />in the blind without some guidance. What I am speaking of is the current situation at the <br />courthouse regarding the pending decision on the smoking ban. Let me explain <br />something to those of you who don't frequent our world in the Lee County Courthouse. <br />Just as with law enforcement personnel, there is somewhat of a code of loyalty we <br />attorneys hold. Nothing dramatic, but just an unspoken knowledge that we pretty much <br />will stand together-oh, hell... in reality ...wejust don't speak out against each other <br />because it would create even more drama in our work arena - something we definitely do <br />not invite willingly. Who wants to deal with bad blood among colleagues, especially <br />attorneys, when clients spill enough blood as it is day in and day out? However, after <br />being forced to partake in the idiocy at the last couple of bar meetings and viewing the <br />ridiculous way we are being represented by self appointed zealots at county meetings, my <br />silence is over. (Although, you do see the self preserving anonymous requirement I have <br />imposed for my own mental, and perhaps, physical health.) <br />I honestly thought the commissioners/county manager/those making decisions for the <br />common people would realize that this is really one man's fight. Oh, he does have a <br />fellow mouth piece; however, this is truly about one man. Mr. Whitaker has, over the <br />years, created a personal office space in the attorneys' lounge located in the Lee Co. <br />Courthouse. Yes, other attorneys can come and go for coffee and Mr. Whitaker Would <br />insist that all are permitted to stay and chat. Who would want to, and really, who would <br />enjoy sitting in a closed room filled with his smoke? Not only are we exposed to the <br />health hazards (and there have been several pregnant young women of the bar that have <br />had to deal with this issue too, not just the DA's staf but we are also conscious of the <br />fact that after visiting the lounge, we move back into the courtroom smelling like we've <br />visited the local tavern. This is not to say that Mr. Whitaker does not have a couple of <br />fellow smokers now and then join him in his lovely second office provided by Lee <br />County tax payers. But, ultimately, this is all his fight. The majority would prefer he go <br />outside just as law enforcement, DA office staff, jailers, clerks etc. considerately do. <br />Please understand that the majority of the attorneys frequenting the courthouse on a daily <br />basis do not want to be affected by second hand smoke. 1 ask you to forgive our <br />cowardliness in dealing with the problem ourselves. We put on courageous moments of <br />grandeur in the courtroom, but this important case is all yours gentlemen and lady. <br />Please show that he does not have several of you in his pockets as he has bragged to <br />most. <br />Do what is logical and what is right for the Lee County citizens that you represent. Ban <br />smoking in the courthouse. Seriously, thank you for your concern for our health. <br />E <br />