Fluoride Action Network

Wichita: Support for fluoridation lacking among Wichita City Council

Source: KWCH 12 Eyewitness News | June 27th, 2012 | By Michael Schwanke
Location: United States, Kansas

Wichita City Council members have yet to see a proposal on fluoridation, but they’re hearing plenty of opinions. “It seems to be very polarizing,” says council member Pete Meitzner.

Meitzner says he’s receiving calls and e-mails from all over. “Some are coming from around the world…it’s different states and countries,” Meitzner added.

Council member Michael O’Donnell is hearing the same kind of feedback. “We’re getting plenty of phone calls and e-mails stating their opinions,” says O’Donnell.

The Kansas Health Foundation recently launched a campaign that has put fluoride back up for debate.

The city council would eventually have to decide if fluoride is right for Wichita. It’s one of a few large cities in the country without it.

“I think it’s time for us to have the discussion again,” says council member Janet Miller.

Eyewitness News talked to every council member to see where they stand on the issue today.

Mayor Carl Brewer, Lavonta Williams, and Pete Meitzner say they are all undecided.

James Clendenin, Jeff Longwell, and Michael O’Donnell say they are leaning against it.

Janet Miller is the only one to come out right now and fully support it.

“I’m a very big advocate of public health. I know that for every dollar Wichita invests in fluoridation it saves the citizens $37 in dental health problems,” says Miller.

Those who are undecided still have questions.

“Everything is opinions. We don’t have information on how much it’s going to cost. It will be expensive,” says O’Donnell.

Council members say the issue has not been presented to them.