Madison could soon be the latest shoreline town to ban smoking at its parks and beaches.
The town's Beach and Recreation Commission pitched the idea, and the first selectman is backing the proposal.
"It's enough of a problem that people have brought it to our attention," said Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson. "These days, the whiff of secondhand smoke, we're finding more and more evidence that it's not healthy, number one, and number two, it's not liked by other people."
Townspeople are divided on the idea.
"It's probably good if there are kids around. You don't want them breathing that in," said Madison resident Lou Stamatellos.
But Matt Earls, of Guilford, said he sees the potential ban as an infringement on residents' rights.
"First they'll take our cigarettes. Then they'll take our guns," he warned.
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Residents will take up the issue at a public hearing next Monday, March 24. The board of selectmen will then put it to a vote.
