Smoke and Mirrors

We find it fascinating that in all of the millions the mayor has spent on TV and radio ads we have seen or heard not a peep about the indoor smoking ban. At the time of its passage the mayor proclaimed this legislation as the crowning achievement of his first term. In addition, he claimed that it would lead to the saving of 1,000 lives that are lost each month! in this city to second-hand smoke.

So, if this was such an important public health achievement why no mention in the mayoral ad blitz? We think the reason lies with the fact that the measure was relatively unpopular with conservative Republicans and the mayor feels no need to remind them as the election approaches. So much for not being governed by political considerations. To be fair, however, maybe the mayor is becoming more budget conscious.