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Smoking ban supporter to file for city council race

by jason lee, the southern

Friday, December 15, 2006 7:09 AM CST

CARBONDALE - Many issues are likely to factor into next year's Carbondale city elections, but a proposed smoking ban that narrowly failed last month is sure to be a hot topic.

Mary Pohlmann, who has led the push to ban smoking at all Carbondale workplaces and indoor public areas, is among the slate of candidates to file for the city council race. She serves as chairwoman of Smoke-Free Carbondale, a local coalition advocating for a ban.

In an interview Thursday, Pohlmann said she had thought for several months about running for the city council, but it was the council's response to a smoking ban proposal that triggered her decision.

"It seemed to me there was a lack of responsiveness on the city council to the desires of the electorate," Pohlmann said.

The proposal failed Nov. 21 on a 3-3 vote, with one council member abstaining.

Council members Sheila Simon, Corene McDaniel and Joel Fritzler supported the measure, while Lance Jack, Chris Wissmann and Mayor Brad Cole opposed it. Councilman Steven Haynes abstained.

Simon is challenging Cole's bid for a second mayoral term, while Haynes and Jack have filed for re-election.

Pohlmann said she was proud to be a part of the large number of supporters who urged the council to back a smoking ban, but was troubled at the final result.

"Given all that, I was dismayed that all of it was for naught," she said. "The city council had already made up its mind. That's why my major platform is to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of the electorate."

Pohlmann, 61, says she's more than a "one-issue candidate."

She says she wants the city's elected officials to be more responsive to residents' concerns on all issues, and thinks there should be more long-term planning for residential and commercial growth.

"I feel we need a better comprehensive plan for future city development," she said.

She also said her strong connection with Southern Illinois University Carbondale would be an asset to the council.

A 1983 graduate of the SIUC School of Medicine, Pohlmann worked 23 years as a family physician before her recent retirement.

Early in her career she taught biology at Centralia High School, and then went on to teach for several years as an SIUC professor in the medical school.

She's been a Carbondale resident for 34 years and five members of her family have earned a total of 10 degrees from SIUC.

"We're really strong supporters of SIU," she said.

Pohlmann also has served 19 years as a Jackson County Health Department board member, and she helped launch the Abundant Health Resource Clinic, a Carbondale facility that provides free medical care to uninsured residents.

She now serves as vice president of the clinic's board.

"I have a lot of experience getting through meetings and discussing budgets," Pohlmann said. "I have a clear view of parliamentary procedure."

Pohlmann said she was encouraged while collecting signatures to get on the ballot.

"I was floored by people's positive reaction to my decision to run," she said. "It gave me a lot of confidence."

Jason.lee@thesouthern.com

(618) 351-5031



Details:

Candidates filed as of Thursday. Filing continues through Monday.

Mayor

Brad Cole

Sheila Simon

City Council

Steven Haynes

Lance Jack

Joseph Moore

Mary Pohlmann

Paulette "Wills" Sherwood