“Don't we deserve a healthy future?”

I am a student at Coney High School and I am writing in response to Chancellor Courtney Gary Allen's recent letter regarding her opposition to the ban on the sale of flavored tobacco.

I would ask Counselor Gary Allen if you asked any of the high school students what they thought before you sent that letter. Maybe that was a good place to start. If she had asked me, I would have told her about the kids in my class — my friends — who struggled with nicotine addiction after becoming addicts. I was going to tell her that it affects everything at our school. I would tell her that many of my classmates still think these products are safe and non-addictive – because that's what they look like – like candy.

I've read about LD 1215, the Ending the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products Act, and as far as I can see the whole goal is to protect children from becoming addicts. This is certainly a goal I would like my city council members to take an interest in. Councilor Gary Allen ended her message by noting the goal of creating a healthier, more equitable society for all. So my question is what about us? Don't we deserve a healthy future? I hope Reps. Bridgeau and La Rochelle will vote to support LD 1215.

Batoul Al Barahi

Augusta

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