Occupy Drinking Water: Portland’s Battle over Fluoride

It was no surprise to many today when the City Council voted to approve plans to begin adding Fluoride to City of Portland water which is also shared by other cities. The list of non-profits and health organizations who support fluoridated water in Portland is overwhelmingly long and at least one Oregonian Poll showed fluoridated water was supported by 52% of polled persons.

Even though the City Council is pushing forward after their vote there is a movement locally that was born in the Occupy Portland community which claims they will have a “Voter Referendum” launched within the hour to try to block the City Council’s attempt at fluoridation. Opponents believe the City should have not brought this issue up again or should have at least put it to a vote so residents could decide.

This is not the first time the City Council has taken action on behalf of residents in fact just months back Mayor Sam Adams successfully pushed a “Plastic Bag Ban” which opponents said would impact Seniors and Low-Income Families. Stores have now been in talks about charging for paper bags.

Do you think Local Governments should let residents decide on important issues or pursue a council vote so that matters that benefit the masses can be put into effect quicker?

Will Kim Kaminski and Clean Water Portland be successful in defeating fluoridated water in Portland or have residents changed their position on the need for fluoride in Portland water?

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