A state bill banning water fluoridation may render the Crystal River City Council’s recent debate over the issue moot – yet the discussion has already stirred backlash, creating unnecessary social media criticism according to Councilwoman Cindi Frink.
On Wednesday afternoon, just prior to Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek gaveling the first budget workshop to a close, Frink said she wanted to address something that had caused her several sleepless nights.
“So the fluoride did pass the House and the Senate, so it’s sitting on the governor’s desk,” she said. “So everything we did Monday night was for nothing, which we knew ahead of time.”
Frink said she had asked City Manager Audra Curts to not place the item on the agenda for Monday. She said the state was likely going to pass the Farm Bill and the issue would have been resolved.
“Tuesday morning rolls around, it wasn’t good,” Frink said. “I got phone calls, we are all over social media, every one of us. And I have gotten threats of assault.”
At the April 14 meeting, a member of the public asked the council to stop putting fluoride in the water. Council briefly discussed their views on it and instructed Curts to put it on the agenda. According to City Attorney Rob Batsel, staff could turn off fluoride without a council directive but suggested a public meeting would be appropriate before doing so.
On Monday, April 28, the item was listed under council discussion. On a split 3-2 consensus, council decided to let it stay. Each member expressed concern about deciding, saying they understood both sides of the issue.
On Wednesday, Frink read from several of the posts she printed out.
“Kids, the elderly, economically disadvantaged people will suffer the most from this decision,” she quoted. “What were they thinking? We’re going to see higher dental treatment costs, the elected officials make enough money and don’t care about us lower income folks. Vote them out.
“I think the city of Crystal River cares more about keeping their money instead of helping their residents and children, shame on you, Joe Meek and Robert Holmes.
“Comments about Gabby, Chris and I,” she continued. “Crime against humanity. They who voted to keep poisoning us need to be held accountable. Time to vote Satchel, Frink and Ensing out of office. Perhaps there are lobbyists incentives.”
Frink finished by reading a post that threatened council members.
“These members’ day is coming. They’re lucky they’re protected by the laws of assault.”
Frink left the meeting with these parting words.
“I have spent six years with a reputation of being a great council member, and it all got thrown away on Monday night, because this was put on the agenda when it shouldn’t have been,” Frink said. “We all got thrown under the bus, and this is what’s going on social media behind all our backs right now. I am very disgusted.”
Curts defended herself after Frink left.
“I sent a message to all the council members saying that I was not placing it on agenda,” Curts said. “And during your council, your last council meeting, you told me after the lady came to the podium to put it on the agenda. That was not my choice, I had no desire to put this on agenda, and I felt that had to be said, because I did not want this on agenda.
“I knew it was going to be taken care of by the state, and Ms. Frink just squarely put this decision on my shoulders, and my decision was not to put it on your agenda. I want that on the record. I did not put this on your agenda without being directed by the council to put it on your agenda.Never would I have put it on your agenda. If you hadn’t directed me to do so. I knew it was going to be handled by the state legislature, and I was going to leave it alone until this lady came to your last council meeting prior to this last one. Two council meetings ago. This was not a city manager decision to put this on your agenda. I was requested to do so; did not want to. And I have email conversations with all of you telling you that. I apologize for having to speak out, but I will not have that put on my shoulders. I will not.”
Mayor Joe Meek said he hoped the council could move past this.
“I’m sorry about everybody getting all involved and having to deal with all the stuff that has come about from it.”
Councilman Robert Holmes blamed social media and said he was glad he was not on it.
Councilman Chris Ensing also blamed social media.
“I think the whole Facebook stuff, man, you can put on there, ‘Hey, I found a puppy in the road,’” he said. “And someone is going to post something negative about it.”
Original article online at: https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/fluoride-fallout-triggers-council-finger-pointing/article_d7df2289-3d8b-508f-9930-675d8b38573e.html