_ County of Onondaga Office of the County Executive ene Mebane John H. Muloy Civic Cenér, 1th Foor Moe cece dete 421 Montgomery Sr, Syracuse, New York 13202 Mary Beth Primo ‘say Couy Ec Hen Sains Phone: 315.435.3516 Fax 315.495 8582 Dey Cony Ect, ys Sais wwwongovnet December 18", 2017 The Onondaga Nation Council Dyodihwasnye’nha’ Administration Building 4040 Route 11 Onondaga Nation via- Nedrow, New York 13120 Dear Council Members, ‘The Onondaga County Legislature recently passed a local law raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21. The conversation and debate surrounding the local law has been healthy and enlightening for our community. Much of that debate has focused on the unrestricted access our youth have to cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco productions on the Onondaga Nation ‘According the Surgeon General's report, approximately 96% of smokers begin before the age of 21. Data shows that if a person reaches the age of 21 without having started to smoke, they are far less likely to ever begin. The Institute of Medicine predicts this law will result in a 25% decline in 15 to 17 year olds starting to smoke, a 12% overall reduction in smoking and a 10% reduction in smoking- related deaths. The science is clear and over 270 cities in 18 states have passed similar legislation in the interest of a healthier community. ‘The Onondaga Nation adheres to the concept of Seven Generation Stewardship and | view this legislation through a similar lens. The health of our children, their children and the many generations that will follow persuades me that signing this law is the right thing to do for our community now and in to the future, The Constitution of the Iroquois Nations: The Great Binding Law says,“Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground---the unborn of the future Nation.” Itis in that spirit that | respectfully request the leadership of the Onondaga Nation consider joining us in our effort and prohibit the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, wt M aa County Executive