At Tuesday night’s meeting, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission handled a number of issues that will hopefully protect our city’s quality of life. After listening to medical and law enforcement experts, the City Commission took action to limit so-called “pain management clinics” or “pill mills” from infiltrating our city limits. We acted unanimously, swiftly, and unequivocally to bar these places from New Smyrna Beach. To protect our citizens and to try and curb drug-related crime by eliminating the source, the Commission sent a strong message to the operators of these businesses: “you are not welcome here.” The Commission also voted to limit where “internet sweepstakes” businesses can open in our city. Commissioner Judy Reiker said it right when she characterized these businesses as nothing but gambling halls. The Commission also voted 3-2 to allow tattoo parlors in our downtown district. While I don’t agree that these establishments are right for our core downtown areas, the majority of the Commission did, and I abide by the decision my colleagues made. I hope and pray we have made a wise decision.