Bill De Blasio Vows To Ban Big Sodas In New York
New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio has been critical of many of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's policies, but there's one he does support. De Blasio said on Friday that he is a fan of Bloomberg's controversial attempt to ban large-size sodas, and if elected he intends to fight to push the ban through.
"As a parent, especially, I feel that we have been sadly losing the war against obesity," de Blasio said. "I believe that the mayor has been right on this issue...this has a horrible impact on our children."
According to CBS, Bloomberg's attempt to ban the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces was blocked by a judge last spring. But this Thursday New York's Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, agreed to hear the case early in 2014. De Blasio says that even if that case is lost and the higher court blocks the soda ban, he would propose a soda ban through the City Council.
"I think the mayor is right and I would continue the legal process. We have to, of course, look at the specifics with our own lawyers and figure out the best way to handle the mechanics. But there's no question that I want to see this rule go through and I hope that the court will support it," de Blasio said.
Republican candidate Joe Lhota has declared his opposition to the soda ban.
"I don't agree with the mayor's position on the soda ban," Lhota said. "If the lawsuit is still in place, I'll instruct the law department to drop the case."