Thursday, Oct 16, 2008

Gerald, Nan, and whom it may concern,

As I have stated several times at the beginning of my campaign, I vowed to listen the first half of the campaign, and then later to come out with concrete positions in the second half. It seems that this is the appropriate time to tell people my position on fluoride.

After listening to Dental folk, doctors, scientists, PUD Commissioners, and plain ole citizens on both sides of this issue, I have concluded that the issue of Choice is the most important to me. It seems that every time I turn around, I see evidence that more Cities etc are going off fluoride. The evidence is certainly mounting that fluoride in water has small to no effect on tooth decay (it's the toothpaste), and that more studies are showing that fluoride can be damaging. I do not think from what I have read that fluoride in water, at the low doses used, is in any way a health emergency, but I do not think it is worth the risk.

The best method and the most effective way to get fluoride to people is by the tooth brush or at the dentist. This is very important , because this gives people a choice. I have listened to the concerns of many people about putting fluoride in the water without their permission, and I agree that the risk is real, and that people should have a choice.

As your potential Commissioner on the Board of Health, I continue to have concerns that everyone have the opportunity to get fluoride, not just the well educated or the rich. The County Government should educate everyone about brushing their teeth and provide toothpaste etc. to those in need. As long as we do those things, I see no reason why we have to force everyone to drink fluoride. Flouride in water has shown to be marginally effective, it takes away our choice and it puts fluoride on vegetables etc.

I know that Ron Wesen has shared my concern about fluoride in organic farming water. He claims to be an organic farmer. His brother is actually the organic dairy farmer and has been for only 2 years.

In summary, if the vote for fluoridation returns to the Commission, I plan to vote against it.