Billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has significantly bolstered the campaign supporting Denver’s flavored tobacco ban with an additional $2.2 million in donations. This funding, reported during the last two weeks of October, is aimed at reinforcing the pro-Referendum 310 campaign as the election approaches.
The latest finance report reveals that Bloomberg’s contributions bring his total to just under $5 million out of the $5.8 million raised by the campaign known as “Denver Kids vs Big Tobacco.” This initiative seeks to uphold an ordinance passed by the City Council that prohibits the sale of most flavored tobacco products within Denver’s city limits. The recent financial influx has enabled the campaign to ramp up its advertising efforts, including television spots advocating for the ban.
Opposition Campaign Struggles to Compete
In stark contrast, the main opposition group, titled “Citizen Power!”, has raised only $646,311, including $91,181 during the recent reporting period. The disparity in fundraising is approximately nine to one, showcasing the financial dominance of Bloomberg’s support. A representative from Citizen Power! previously likened their struggle to a “David vs. Goliath” scenario, highlighting the challenges faced against the well-funded campaign.
The opposition aims to overturn the ordinance by placing Referendum 310 on the ballot. If passed, a “yes” vote would maintain the current ban, while a “no” vote, promoted by the petitioners, would revoke it. The ordinance restricts sales of flavored tobacco products, ranging from flavored vapes to menthol cigarettes, aimed at preventing youth access to these potentially addictive substances.
Supporters and Detractors Weigh In
Proponents of the ban argue that it plays a critical role in protecting minors from the appeal of flavored tobacco, which could lead to lifelong addiction. On the other hand, critics, including various tobacco companies and vape store advocates, claim the prohibition would harm independent retailers and diminish tax revenues for the city. They advocate for individual choice, suggesting that adults should have the freedom to purchase flavored products.
In addition to the tobacco-related measures, Denver’s ballot also features the Vibrant Denver Bond campaign, which reported raising $376,900 during the late October reporting period. This initiative aims to secure $950 million in funding for various city projects, including infrastructure improvements and upgrades to public facilities. The total funds raised for this campaign now exceed $1.9 million.
Key contributors to the Vibrant Denver Bond campaign include former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry, who contributed $100,000, and Gary Advocacy LLC, associated with local ventures, which donated $75,000. Other significant donations came from cultural institutions such as the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Zoo, each contributing $50,000.
While a smaller group, “Citizens for NO New Debt,” has reported spending $8,235.72 in opposition to the bond package, the overall momentum appears to favor the pro-Referendum 310 campaign, largely due to Bloomberg’s substantial financial backing.
As Denver prepares for the upcoming election, the outcomes of both the flavored tobacco ban and the bond campaign could have lasting implications for the city’s public health policies and infrastructure development.
