The only thing surprising about Topeka City Councilwoman Deborah Swank's proposal to ban smoking in public places is that it's taken so long for someone to bring the issue once again to the council agenda.

Several communities across the state have enacted smoking bans since the council last addressed the subject, and, realistically, it was only a matter of time before someone on the council suggested Topeka join the list, which now includes Kansas City, Kan., Lawrence, Emporia, Manhattan and Salina.