"I [initially said] there was no way I would vote for another ordinance that would tell business owners how to run their businesses." After educating himself about the health hazards of secondhand smoke, he said, "I wanted to be on the right side of the issue. Even if it meant not being on the winning sideā¦I learned the government has a duty and responsibility to protect the public's health." Texarkana Gazette, Nov. 14, 2003
— Larry Medina, Former city council member and former Mayor Pro Tem, El Paso, TX
U.S. Surgeon General Report
“The debate is over. The science is clear. Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard.” -- June 27, 2006