The two sides of the workplace smoking ban issue have found little common ground.

On Thursday, at least they could agree on the weather.

They agreed on little else during an open meeting at the Veterans Center held by the Dodge County Tobacco-Free Coalition focusing on the effects of second-hand smoke in the workplace.

The coalition's Jean Hill admitted afterward that it was doubtful anyone changed their stance because of the presentation, but it did offer those interested in promoting a state-wide smoking ban an opportunity to get involved.

"We really need your help," Emily Reynolds of Smoke-Free Wisconsin said. "We can't pass a statewide smoke-free air bill without you. It's really important that we have people who are willing to stand up and share their stories, their time and their voice to our effort."

On a frigid and windy evening, the presentation drew about 30 interested citizens, including a handful of opposing viewpoints and several city alderpersons.

Speakers included Dr. Amy Muchow of the Beaver Dam Internal Medicine Clinic and BDCH medical staff, resident and smoking ban proponent Vicki Flatt, American Cancer Society's Lisa Davidson, American Legion's Bob Frankenstein and Reynolds.

The two sides of the issue offered up their latest rendition of "I'll show you my study if you show me yours."

Muchow and Davidson sang the virtues of studies indicating harmful effects of second-hand smoke in the workplace while John Biel, owner of John's Bar, refuted the validity of a recent study released by the coalition and highlighted OSHA's stance that "components in tobacco smoke are diluted below existing Permissible Exposure Levels."

Jim Polster, president of the Dodge County Tavern League, said a statewide smoking ban may have proceeded further during the last legislative session if it weren't for the "all-or-nothing" stance of the American Cancer Society and others backing the ban.

Davidson replied that the ventilation and smoke-eater components of any compromise offered by the tavern league were unacceptable since it was the American Cancer Society's belief that "ventilation doesn't work."

Those in favor of a statewide workplace smoking ban are encouraged to contact their local state representatives or to visit itstimewisconsin.org.

"The more that your legislators see the support, the more pressure that is on them," Reynolds said. "We need to show there is a huge support for smoke-free air. It's really important that you get involved. We want to pass this during this session in the first 100 days. We want to pass a comprehensive workplace policy with a quick implementation date."

dbaulch@capitalnewspapers.com