Van Wert City Council votes down proposed smoking banDuring Monday’s meeting of Van Wert City Council, Dr. Paul Kalogerou spoke about the dangers and consequences of smoking and secondhand smoke. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independentSCOTT TRUXELL/independent editorBy a 6-1 vote, Van Wert City Council has officially rejected a proposed smoking ban in city parks. Before the vote, Van Wert County General Healh District Medical Director Dr. Paul Kalogerou gave a brief presentation on the dangers and consequences of smoking and secondhand smoke. “If we’re not banning smoking, we shouldn’t ban marijuana – that would be my argument.” The next meeting of Van Wert City Council will be held on Monday, August 24.