The following letter of reply was recreated for viewing purposes.
 
 
THE SENATE
STATE OF NEW YORK
 
DANIEL R. HEVESI
Senator, 13th District
            January 8, 2001
 
 

Ms. Audrey Silk
P.O. Box 1036
Brooklyn, New York  11234

Dear Ms. Silk:

     Thank you for your correspondence of January 3, 2001 in regard to cigarettes and the newly enacted fire safety standards.

     While I understand the rationale behind your arguments, I respectfully disagree with your conclusion.  While it is undeniably true that the unattended burning of any product in a home, such as a candle, cigarette or space heater can lead to a fire, with tragic consequences, I believe that there is a measure of common sense which must be applied.  While these are all products which are inherently dangerous, no one is looking to ban their sale.

     There is one major difference between the aforementioned items.  The fact that manufacturers of cigarettes use chemical additives to promote burning has never been disputed.  Since cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture or mattresses is the leading cause of residential fire deaths in this State, the adoption of this new law was an effort to address this situation.  Over the years, studies have shown that it is feasible to manufacture a self-extinguishing cigarette.  Indeed, there are several brands currently for sale which have this capability.

     The new law sponsored by Assemblyman Grannis, which I strongly supported, requires the State to develop regulations whereby cigarettes, if ignited, will stop burning within a time period specified by the standards if the cigarettes are not smoked during that period.  Such regulations shall also detail performance standards to limit the risk that cigarettes will ignite upholstered furniture, mattresses or other household furnishings.

     Once again, thank you for having taken the time to share your concerns with me and please feel free to contact me at 718-544-9750 or send an e-mail to: dhevesi@senate.state.ny.us if I can be of further assistance.

                                                                                                 Very truly yours,

                                                                                                  DANIEL R. HEVESI
                                                                                                  Member of the Senate


NYC C.L.A.S.H. Note:  Senator Hevesi seems to have missed a very important point.  At no time did we claim that this sort of legislation would lead to the "banning" of cigarettes.  We did claim that it appeared to be an effort in behavior modification by requiring a sub-par product only be sold in New York State.  Due to remarks made in connection with this law, we believe that the anti-smoking politicians are under the impression that more smokers will quit if they force a less enjoyable product on the consumer.