Assuming the petition seeking to prevent the fluoridation of the City of Corning’s public water supply contains the minimum number of valid signatures and satisfies other legal requirements, the referendum on the issue could appear on the ballot of the 2008 general election, according to an written opinion from the city’s attorney.

The memo also states that Corning’s city clerk has 30 days to examine the proposed local law, which is included in the petitions presented to Corning City Council on Sept. 27, and verify the signatures. After the clerk has determined the petitions contain at least 10 percent of the number of people voting in the last gubernatorial election, — about 306 names — she must inform the council the petitions comply with the law.

Council must then vote on sending the proposed law to the Steuben County Board of Elections, which will then place it on the ballot next year.

“It appears the proposed referendum is mandatory because it abolishes, transfers or curtails the power of an elective officer”, Corning’s city attorney Pamela Doyle Gee stated in her memo to Corning City Manager Mark Ryckman.

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