The issue of fluoridation of Halton’s water has led Oakville resident Greg Warchol to run for mayor.

The 50-year-old entered the Oct. 27 municipal election race Monday with his eye on the mayor’s job and, since 2007, has been actively researching the effects of fluoride in residents’ water.

“Oakville’s a livable place and I’d just like for people to be as healthy as possible, hence the fluoride issue,” he said. “People don’t need to be medicated through their water supply.”

In 2012, Halton Region council voted by a slim margin to continue adding the mineral to local tap water.

Warchol, who is married and employed locally as a part-time bus driver, said there is plenty of research to support a ban on fluoride.

His own interest in the issue has involved attending the World Fluoride Conference in Toronto.

“I’ll try to do a good job as mayor. I’ll strive to use the tax levy well,” said Warchol, while admitting the current administration “seems to be doing an overall good job.”

Warchol is running a straightforward campaign with no plans to put up election signs or take campaign contributions.

He is also a member of the U.S.-based National Cave Rescue Commission, and is a high angle rope rescue technician — training first responders who sometimes must scale down a cliff or into a confined space to assist a victim.

Warchol has been passionate about exploring caves since his early 20s and supported the protection of an area in Stoney Creek by the Hamilton Conservation Area.

He is also a certified tool-and-die maker.

Warchol said he would like to stick to the “basics” in running local government, ensuring the community has good roads, police and transportation.

His first priority if elected will be removing fluoride from the water.

“I paid attention in the last election and was in the room when the question was asked of candidates, ‘If it comes to a vote, will you vote to stop putting fluoride in the water?’” he said.

“Voters can be 100 per cent guaranteed I’ll vote on Halton Regional council to remove the fluoride, and if people want it, it’s in their toothpaste,” said Warchol.