To the editor:

I’m writing this in response to the article (June 7) about the Lawrence Housing Authority’s proposed ban on smoking. I live in one of their facilities and am a smoker.

You pointed out that there was a fire recently at Babcock Place caused by a smoker. What you failed to mention was that the person was smoking with oxygen in use and had been doing so for several years. There is a ban now against smoking where there is oxygen present.

You also pointed out that several other housing authorities have passed the proposed ban. True, but most of them grandfathered in the smokers already in residence and potential tenants are informed that it is a non-smoking facility. This gives them the choice to move or find somewhere that better fits their lifestyle. I also don’t believe that only 30 percent of the residents in the 429 units are smokers. That doesn’t seem entirely accurate. Where I live, a senior building, it is closer to 50 percent. Why target one group of people when there is a greater danger of fire from candles. If they aren’t also banned this could be considered disparate treatment.

I think this whole thing is a reminder that those in power have control over others’ lifestyles.