Hillsboro voters will consider fluoridating the city’s water supply this year. Do you support or oppose the measure? Why?
Pace: I’ve chosen to refrain from commenting on Ballot Measure 34-338, which asks Hillsboro community members to participate in a nonbinding vote that provides input to the city on adding fluoride to Hillsboro’s water system. It is my job as a member of city council to take into account all information provided, including the vote on this ballot measure and recommendations of staff and the utilities commission, should the question come to the council.
Case: As a resident of Hillsboro, I will be voting in support of fluoridating the water because I trust the science and recommendations of my dentist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Health Authority.
However, I will support the results of the community advisory vote and the recommendations from the utilities commission. If the vote is in favor of fluoridation, I will support efforts to move the five-year implementation plan forward with limited delay of other nonurgent projects from the water department. I appreciate that the Hillsboro Utilities Commission has a plan established, pending approval by voters, and that they have already shared that fluoridating will not increase taxpayers’ water bills above what is already projected.
McTernan: I oppose the fluoridation of our water. There are more targeted solutions we could use to address dental health in our city, which do not require adding chemicals to our water supply. It is costly, and though the city says they have the money, they would be using funds already allocated for more important upgrades to the water system.
The amount of fluoride added to the water would be overkill for dental health. Ingesting the chemical has no effect — only its short, direct contact with the tooth as you swallow. Any water flushed or washed down into the rivers through storm drains would also contain fluoride which may harm local wildlife and impact environmental health.
Using the earmarked money to get free dental care and to fund clinics and interventions for those in need would be much more useful and effective — with no negative health or environmental outcomes.
Mead: I support fluoridating Hillsboro’s water because I believe in the science that shows fluoride has a positive impact on children’s health, especially in helping prevent tooth decay. Proponents of the measure emphasize that it will benefit the most disadvantaged members of our community, particularly those who struggle to access dental care. However, I am also mindful of the financial burden this could place on families who are already struggling to pay their water bills, especially given the recent rate increases. Adding fluoride will likely result in another increase to cover the costs, and we must consider the potential impact on those facing water shutoffs. While I support the measure and will honor the public’s vote, I believe the complexity of this question goes beyond a simple “do you support or not” of water fluoridation. Fluoride in the water won’t help your kids if your water gets shut off.
Harris: As a voter, I will be voting for fluoridation. As a city councilor I will abide by the outcome of the vote.