Dear Editor, I
’ve been a resident of Morgan Hill for more than 10 years. One
of the many wonderful things about this small city is its
acknowledgment of and respect for children and families.
Dear Editor,
I’ve been a resident of Morgan Hill for more than 10 years. One of the many wonderful things about this small city is its acknowledgment of and respect for children and families. I am very disappointed that we are allowing a cigarette discount store to open its business doors in the shopping center at Condit Road and East Dunne Avenue.
Clearly, the largest concern with this store is its location. It is less than 1,000 feet from Nordstrom Elementary School and directly across the street from McDonald’s and Taco Bell restaurants. As you know, McDonald’s, with its large play area is a major youth attraction, as is Taco Bell.
A survey of Morgan Hill residents in the spring of 2003 showed that 67 percent of the residents did not want tobacco retailers located near schools, parks or other youth-concentrated area. Another 61 percent favored licensing of these stores as a way to ensure that they did not continue to sell tobacco products to minors. It would be irresponsible for us to allow a tobacco retailer so close to an elementary school and youth-centered businesses. Increasing access to cigarettes will surly increase use.
The question remains for Morgan Hill – does the city want to have any say in to whom, and in what way are tobacco products sold or furnished in their community?
Let’s act responsibely on behalf of the welfare of our youth by not allowing tobacco products to be sold near schools and other children-friendly business.
Dolores Alvarado-Nunez,
Morgan Hill
