Kenney says soda tax plan has more supporters than opponents

A former mayor isn’t feeling very enthusiastic about a plan to tax sugary drinks in Philadelphia, but the current mayor continues to believe in it. 

During a radio interview, former governor and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell said the proposed 3 cent-per-ounce tax on soda and other drinks would only hit one business. He said the tax should be spread out on all items that are a health risk.

Mayor Jim Kenney said Rendell is entitled to his opinion.

“We have a 26 percent poverty rate, we have children who are not getting educated and facilities that are falling down,” Kenney said. “I understand he may be giving his opinion based on when he was mayor, but it’s been quite some time — and things are not getting better.”

Kenney added that the only groups against the tax are those in the industry.

“We have more people who have lined up for it,” he said. “The ads that you are hearing on radio are being paid for by ‘Big Soda.’ What do you expect them to say?”