David Dinkins to support flavored nicotine ban

David Dinkins to support flavored nicotine ban

By Amanda Eisenberg and Shannon Young
Politico
10/15/2019

Former mayor David Dinkins will support two City Council bills today to ban flavored nicotine products. New York City’s only black mayor is wading into a public health policy that has support from first lady Chirlane McCray and the NAACP, though Al Sharpton has opposed the legislation due to concerns about criminalizing the black community.

David Dinkins, New York City’s only black mayor, is wading into deliberations over regulating flavored nicotine products — a national debate that has put local politicians at the uncomfortable nexus of public health and racial concerns. The 92-year-old former mayor will announce his support for two City Council bills to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and regular menthol cigarettes ahead of a rally at City Hall Tuesday morning.

… “For decades, communities of color — and especially our children — have been targeted by the aggressive marketing campaigns of tobacco companies looking to hook us on nicotine for life,” Dinkins said in a statement provided to POLITICO.

… He said he couldn’t recall if anyone asked for his support, which provides political cover for Council Speaker Corey Johnson and others concerned about opposition to the proposed menthol ban from Al Sharpton, one of the country’s most outspoken black activists. “I don’t remember. When you get to be my age, you won’t remember,” Dinkins said.