The citizen group Rutland Fluoride Action, led by Jack Crowther, opposes adding fluoride to the city’s water supply Crowther and his group began gathering signatures on a petition that asked the question: “Shall the commissioner of public works fluoridate the public water supply of Rutland?” on July 31, to be added to the Town Meeting Day ballot. The signed petitions turned in on Nov. 19 bore 800 signatures, more than the requisite 500. On Jan. 19, the Board of Aldermen approved including the item on the March ballot.

Jeff Wennberg, commissioner of public works, has already said that he would approve eliminating the addition of fluoride if voters indicate that is their desire and if the voters have received accurate information. The city charter gives the public works commissioner the authority to make that decision, regardless of popular vote.