We would like to praise the state legislature for its recent action in moving to allow the Greensboro City Council to make policy in regard to smoking at the Greensboro Coliseum. Until now, the City Council has felt restricted in further limiting smoking in this facility. Their hands no longer are tied.

Our City Council now has the opportunity to protect those with lung and heart disease who may wish to attend events at the coliseum as well as all of us with lungs. Our particular concern is for children with asthma who may wish to accompany their parents to the circus or other events at the coliseum. Their parents have usually eliminated smoke from their homes and cars, even if they continue to smoke themselves. They have tried to keep their children from smoke-filled places. Some have had to avoid the coliseum due to reactions to the smoke in the halls there.

As one of the first communities in our state to limit smoking in large stores, Greensboro has a tradition of leadership in this area. Let us make the next step.

Teresa Sue Bratton, M.D.
Greensboro

The writer is a member of the Guilford County Asthma Coalition.