April 10. 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 29 Ridgewood considering ban on public smoking by John Koster The Ridgewood Village Council will move forward with a draft ordinance that would ban tobacco use in public parks. “At least for the time being, we’re going to stay focused on the parks,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn. Ridgewood has already banned smoking in the mall between village hall and the public library. The proposed ordinance is similar to a number of other ordinances in Bergen County and around the state which forbid the use of tobacco products in public sites, including parks and school grounds, with the school systems drawing up their own regulations. “We tried to pretty much copy Paramus and Passaic,” said Councilwoman Gwen Hauck. The proposal suggests a fine of $50 to $100 for a first offense, $100 to $150 for a second offense, $150 to $500 for a third offense, and the possibility of community service after the third offense. The council also considered having the initial offense reduced to a warning. Ridgewood Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli, who is an attorney, said Village Attorney Matt Rogers had done a good job of writing the draft. “I think it’s very precisely defined and eminently enforceable,” Pucciarell said. Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward said he supports the attempt to reduce smoking on public property and that the proposed draft seemed to be enforceable given the constraints of manpower within the Ridgewood Police Department, where the primary responsibilities would continue to be public safety and traffic safety. Alan Kantz, an expert from GASP (Global Advisors for Smoking Policy) spoke briefly at the meeting and advised that the clarity of the proposed ordinance, which Kantz supported, was the single most important factor. He said 23 Bergen County communities place some restrictions on outdoor smoking, and listed 16 that require 100 percent smoke-free parks. No date for an introduction has been scheduled. Congressman Scott Garrett has presented the Congressional Award to Ridgewood resident Heesung Son. Son was awarded the Silver Congressional Medal based on his community service and personal development achievements. “It was an honor to visit with Heesung and learn about the great work he is doing to serve Congressman Garrett with Heesgun Son’s parents and the Fifth Congressional Principal Dr. Gorman. District,” Garrett said. “He has a real violin for the elderly in nursing homes passion for community service and a and spending time with participants of drive for his own personal development. I Camp Sunshine, a camp for physically know Heesung will continue to do great disabled youth. He improved his violin work in the years ahead, and I congratu- skills and ultimately earned first place in late him on receiving the Silver Congres- the New York International Competition and the Crescendo Competition, which sional Medal.” The Congressional Award Foundation landed him a coveted spot on the New was created by Congress to promote and Jersey Regional Orchestra group. To recognize service, initiative, and achieve- reach his physical fitness goals, he parment by America’s youth. ticipated in various forms of Taekwondo. Son completed over 200 hours of For his exploration goals, he spent nine voluntary public service by playing his days exploring the culture of Costa Rica. Son earns silver medal