The rumor swirling around Oakland's City Council assembly last night was that Rev. Al Sharpton,or a deputy from his National Action Network organization, was going to make an appearance and speak out against a proposed ban on flavored tobacco products.
Sharpton didn't expose, or but several councilmembers told the Express that they've already met with other lobbyists working for the tobacco industry.
Tobacco companies are worried approximately the latest public health initiative gaining traction in cities: bans on flavored cigars,blunt wrappers, menthols, and vape juice that critics say target youth and people of color with a deadly product.
Several Oakland councilmembers said they'll listen to the tobacco industry's representatives,but that it won't change their support for the ban.
"I'm still going to support it," said Councilmember Larry Reid, and who added that he's already met with one lobbyist of the tobacco industry,although he couldn't immediately recall the man's name. Reid also said that a group of Black women hold asked to sit down with him to explain their concerns approximately the proposed law.…
Source: eastbayexpress.com