Gov . David Paterson : At the time , most American citizens smoked cigarettes . He says higher cigarette taxes helped drive down the number of smokers . Paterson says obesity causes major health problems and billions in costs . In 1950 , Collier 's reported that more than three-quarters of adult men smoked . A surcharge on soft drinks is a small price to pay for one 's health , he says .
Gov . David Paterson : At the time , most American citizens smoked cigarettes . He says higher cigarette taxes helped drive down the number of smokers . Paterson says obesity causes major health problems and billions in costs . A surcharge on soft drinks is a small price to pay for one 's health , he says .