USA - Timberville Residents To Vote On Fluoride
Timberville Residents To Vote On Fluoride
Posted 2008-10-10
TIMBERVILLE - Whether the town continues to put fluoride in its water will be up to residents.
At Thursday's meeting, the Town Council voted 4-2 to leave the issue up to its constituents.
It will go before voters in November 2009.
At one point during the meeting, council asked Timberville residents who attended how many wanted fluoridated water and how many did not by a show of hands.
One person was in favor, while about a dozen were not.
In recent months, the council began considering whether the town should continue treating its water with fluoride, which led to a September forum on the issue. At that forum, dentists with opposing views on fluoridation presented their sides of the story.
Opponents of fluoridation told the audience the practice is not safe for babies and people with specific health concerns. But supporters claimed that decades of research - backed by more than 100 leading U.S. and world public health organizations - proves fluoride is safe and reduces cavities in children and adults.
Split Decision
On Thursday, Councilman Tyler Jessup made a motion to discontinue water fluoridation until the residents vote on it, saying that people who want to use fluoride can get it by other means, such as through their dentists.
Those who don't want to use fluoride, he said, don't have much of a choice if it's in the water.
The council was split on that motion, leaving Mayor Don DeLaughter to cast the tie-breaking vote.
DeLaughter voted against the motion, effectively opting to continue fluoridation.
"I'm fearful of discontinuing it because of the effects it may have on teeth and tooth decay," he said, adding that after speaking with local doctors and dentists, he's confident fluoridation is a safe practice.
‘A Possible Health-Related Issue'
Councilman Carl Turner made the motion to put the issue on the ballot next year.
"Being a possible health-related issue, I'm uncomfortable making that decision for 2,000 people," he said. "I feel I don't have the credentials to make that decision."
Town Manager Austin Garber echoed Turner's concerns, saying most actions the town takes are for the protection of its residents, such as chlorinating water to kill harmful bacteria.
"With fluoridation, it doesn't follow suit with the rest of those actions," he said. "It's not like discontinuing the use of chlorine in the water."
‘Credible' Evidence In Favor
Councilman Robert Blosser, who voted against both motions, said he's researched the topic and talked to health professionals.
"The evidence is more credible to continue fluoridation," he said.
The council, Blosser said, could have made a decision based on all the information that's already been presented.
"We've had ample opportunity to have the pros and cons discussed," he said, adding that fewer than 100 people voted in the 2006 election. "How many people are going to vote?"
Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273
Posted 2008-10-10
TIMBERVILLE - Whether the town continues to put fluoride in its water will be up to residents.
At Thursday's meeting, the Town Council voted 4-2 to leave the issue up to its constituents.
It will go before voters in November 2009.
At one point during the meeting, council asked Timberville residents who attended how many wanted fluoridated water and how many did not by a show of hands.
One person was in favor, while about a dozen were not.
In recent months, the council began considering whether the town should continue treating its water with fluoride, which led to a September forum on the issue. At that forum, dentists with opposing views on fluoridation presented their sides of the story.
Opponents of fluoridation told the audience the practice is not safe for babies and people with specific health concerns. But supporters claimed that decades of research - backed by more than 100 leading U.S. and world public health organizations - proves fluoride is safe and reduces cavities in children and adults.
Split Decision
On Thursday, Councilman Tyler Jessup made a motion to discontinue water fluoridation until the residents vote on it, saying that people who want to use fluoride can get it by other means, such as through their dentists.
Those who don't want to use fluoride, he said, don't have much of a choice if it's in the water.
The council was split on that motion, leaving Mayor Don DeLaughter to cast the tie-breaking vote.
DeLaughter voted against the motion, effectively opting to continue fluoridation.
"I'm fearful of discontinuing it because of the effects it may have on teeth and tooth decay," he said, adding that after speaking with local doctors and dentists, he's confident fluoridation is a safe practice.
‘A Possible Health-Related Issue'
Councilman Carl Turner made the motion to put the issue on the ballot next year.
"Being a possible health-related issue, I'm uncomfortable making that decision for 2,000 people," he said. "I feel I don't have the credentials to make that decision."
Town Manager Austin Garber echoed Turner's concerns, saying most actions the town takes are for the protection of its residents, such as chlorinating water to kill harmful bacteria.
"With fluoridation, it doesn't follow suit with the rest of those actions," he said. "It's not like discontinuing the use of chlorine in the water."
‘Credible' Evidence In Favor
Councilman Robert Blosser, who voted against both motions, said he's researched the topic and talked to health professionals.
"The evidence is more credible to continue fluoridation," he said.
The council, Blosser said, could have made a decision based on all the information that's already been presented.
"We've had ample opportunity to have the pros and cons discussed," he said, adding that fewer than 100 people voted in the 2006 election. "How many people are going to vote?"
Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273
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