State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is trying to take credit for H2544, the ban on junk food sales in elementary and junior high schools signed by Governor Napolitano.

Let’s set the record straight, it was Rep. Mark Anderson, R-18, not Mr. Horne, who not only introduced the legislation, but worked with health officials and the soda and vending industries to get an agreement that would be fair to all. More importantly, Mr. Anderson saved the schools millions of dollars of revenues, which would have caused a larger deficit. Most House and Senate members understood this in their votes; apparently Mr. Horne wasn’t listening and still isn’t.

Had Mr. Horne had his way or gets his way in the future by trying to include high schools in this bill, he will bankrupt the schools, causing clubs, sports and fine arts programs to disappear in high schools throughout the state. He has avoided the other obesity-related issues such as adding more physical education to the school curriculum, as well as addressing the fat and sugar served in school cafeterias every day.

Mr. Horne, I suggest you focus your attention on your failed AIMS program. Start putting kids ahead of your political ambition. The public deserves better.—

Dean B. Kaner, Phoenix