The Soda Ban, and a Lack of Exercise Re "Trimming a Fat City" (column, June 3): Frank Bruni applauds Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's proposed ban on the sale of certain sizes of sugary soda to address our obesity epidemic. But a poor diet is just part of the problem. Lack of exercise is a leading cause of obesity and its related illnesses. It is ironic that while the mayor is proudly touting the health benefits of his proposed ban, he is denying kids exercise opportunities by cutting after-school recreation programs. In East Harlem, which I represent, more than one in three adolescents exercise fewer than 20 minutes a day, three days a week, as recommended, and teenagers in my community are three times less likely to have a daily gym class compared with students in other neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the mayor is cutting more than half of our after-school programs. School sports and physical education are severely underfinanced; schools are being built without gyms; and community leagues are desperate for space and resources. We must restore and expand these programs, not cut them. More of the same inconsistencies from Mayor Bloomberg. MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO Councilwoman, District 8 New York, June 4, 2012