The plastic bag ban that takes effect in one year

The plastic bag ban that takes effect in one year also drew some contrasting positions after a questioner asked candidates' opinions on "so-called nanny laws such as the plastic bag ordinance" with their "incremental loss of freedom."
Fleetwood, the driving force behind the adoption of the ordinance, confronted the issue head-on.

"We live in a country of enormous personal freedoms and liberties," Fleetwood said. "We don't, however, have the right to do harm. ... They (plastic bags) kill wildlife. It's a scourge. It's easy to change that with the simplest of changes in behavior."

Farr, his opponent, sent a mixed message.
"I am opposed to things happening that take away my rights," Farr said. "I would much rather educate than legislate." But he added, "I don't think it's a bad law."
Pike endorsed the ban.
"I actually think it's a rational response," Pike said. "We have a huge issue with plastics in our environment."

Moore expressed scorn for the new law.
"I guess the real question is, what law do they pass tomorrow?" he said.
Linville also disapproved.
"This ordinance does not appear to be enforceable," she said, adding that she would prefer an education approach that encourages shoppers and businesses to do the right thing. She also suggested that city officials concentrate on more weighty issues.

Council candidate Lehman said that while there may be far more pressing issues for the city to confront, she supports the new law.
Buchanan, who voted for the measure, said he had initial misgivings that evaporated when some local retailers expressed support for the plastic bag ban.