I am one of 34 people who carried the successful petition to put ballot issue 1A on the upcoming ballot. Although we gathered nearly 1000 signatures from citizens who wanted the opportunity to decide whether to continue adding fluoride to Durango’s drinking water, hundreds of these signatures were discounted because the petitioner’s address did not match the address to which the voter is registered in La Plata County.
No matter which side of this issue you’re on, be sure that you are allowed to express your opinion. If you are not registered to vote or are registered at an old address, you may remedy this situation at the county clerk’s office at 98 Everett Street in Bodo. Obtain the correct documentation and bring it to the city clerk at 949 E. 2nd Avenue. There you can secure a ballot, which must be received by 7 p.m. on April 4.
It is easy to find scientists and health professionals who support opposing sides of the fluoride issue. There are also abundant scientific studies supporting each side, although they may fail to meet today’s research standards or do not have a large enough sample size to be conclusive.
This being the case, it is the precautionary principle that has guided my decision to help end the addition of fluoride to Durango’s drinking water. This principle demands that the introduction of a substance, whose ultimate effects are disputed, should be withheld to protect public health.
We simply do not have decisive evidence that adding sodium fluoride to our water system causes no ill effect over time. I would also argue for finding a solution that honors the opinions to be found on each side of the question. I propose that those who believe strongly in the efficacy of fluoride use fluoride toothpaste. And those citizens who are persuaded by the arguments against adding fluoride should not be forced to consume it in their drinking water.
Finally, let us insist on civility and respect for each other as we engage in public discourse on a controversial topic.
Julie Hartman
Durango
