| For Immediate Release January 25, 2005 |
Contact: Joel Spivak 202.296.5469 |
Fernando Ferrer Should Return Tobacco Cash
Statement of William V. Corr, Executive Director, Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
Washington, DC - We were disappointed to learn that Fernando Ferrer has accepted campaign contributions from tobacco company executives for his mayoral campaign. We call on Mr. Ferrer to immediately return all contributions received from tobacco interests. Accepting tobacco contributions sends the wrong message about his priorities when it comes to tobacco policy.
Since passage of the smoke-free law and increased cigarette tax, New York City is a significantly healthier place to live. The reductions in smoking rates will benefit the city for decades to come as lives are spared and health care costs are reduced due to declines in smoking and smoking-caused disease. New York City has become a leader in reducing tobacco use among both children and adults. We believe all candidates for Mayor should support a healthier city.
We hope that all candidates for Mayor will stand up to big tobacco by rejecting their campaign cash and join the overwhelming majority of New York City voters in support of the city’s highly popular smoke-free law.