The group pushing to remove the fluoride additive from Fond du Lac’s water supply plans to circulate a citizen’s petition beginning late this month.

The petition requires a minimum of 1,652 valid signatures to be placed on the November ballot. It will be circulated for 60 days.

“We want to run through the end of the (Fond du Lac County) Fair,” said Richard Matthew, who is heading up the group.

He said the petition will be available at Victoria’s Pet and Nutrition Center, in a booth at the Fond du Lac County Fair July 16 to 21, and at the chiropractic offices of Drs. Vickie Goldapske, Tim Johnson and Joan Regan.

Matthew said samples of a new fluoride-free Orajel toothpaste will be available at the Fair booth.

In addition, he said Charter Communications has agreed to air several videotapes he owns that tout the potential dangers of fluoride.

“The city clerk will have 10 days to validate the signatures,” Matthew said. “There shouldn’t be a problem — we have an attorney reviewing this.”

Tess Hochrein, Fond du Lac’s city clerk, said she actually will have 15 days to report whether the petition is sufficient. Any problems with the wording of the resolution or ordinance may be amended within 10 days of Hochrein’s finding.

The petition then is forwarded to the Fond du Lac City Council.

The Council will have 30 days to abide by the petition request (to remove the fluoride additive) or let the public decide the matter in the Nov. 5 election.

The referendum is binding and the result would stand without council interference.

The Council voted 5-2 April 10 against an advisory referendum on the fluoride additive. Bill Turner, a former councilman who was replaced in April due to term limitations, proposed the referendum.

He was joined in his effort by Matthew, who is known in the community for his fight against fluoride.

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