The latest editions of the Alexandria Gazette Packet and the Arlington Connection include this letter to the editor setting the record straight in response to Republican attacks on David’s leadership on the statewide smoke-free restaurants bill, which goes into effect Dec. 1.
Englin’s Impact
To the Editor:
I would like to set the record straight about the efforts of David Englin, member, 45th District, Virginia House of Delegates on the smoke-free restaurants bill. His role was key and his influence was critical.
He was passionate on the House floor in 2008 expressing dismay that once again the smoke-free bill received neither a full hearing nor a recorded vote in sub-committee. In 2009, he was the original House patron of statewide smoke-free restaurant bill but it was rolled into part of another piece of legislation when separate smoking rooms became part of a negotiated agreement.
Del. Englin was the keynote speaker for the statewide tobacco coalition to rally 300 activists on smoke-free lobby day preparing them to advocate for the bill. He worked with American Lung Association to strengthen public health protections in the final bill.
Gov. Kaine personally acknowledged his role, calling him a “a key player.” We were there in Richmond engaged in this fight, and I can tell you firsthand that Del. David Englin’s leadership and hard work made a big impact.
Peter L. deFur, Ph.D.
Chair, Advocacy Committee of the American Lung Association of Virginia
Richmond
