To the editor,

On September 30, 2014, Topsfield citizens will have the opportunity to vote for continuing to fluoridate town water or to stop fluoridating. Since fluoridation started over 60 years ago, there have been on-going discussions as to its effectiveness. The American Dental Association (ADA) says it is the right thing to do. The Sierra Club states that, “communities should have the option to reject mandatory fluoridation of their water supplies” and “safer strategies and methods for preventing tooth decay are now available, we recommend that these safer alternatives should be made available and promoted.” (Sierra Club Conservation Policies, Board of Directors, June 19, 2008)

The issue for us to consider, is that are assumptions made years ago and the no-choice city/town programs that followed, still correct today? For example, we were told that eggs were not good for those with high cholesterol, but now it is ok; salt is bad for us, but now it is ok; and on and on. Is this the same issue with fluoridation?

In Massachusetts, Amesbury in 2011 stopped fluoridation, Worcester does not fluoridate, and only 141 of the 351 cities/towns use fluoridation. Do they know something that we do not know?

We have heard it before: the science is settled and if one questions it, they are all called all kinds of deniers. Do your own research and make the decision that is best for you and your family. Just because the ‘experts’ say something is right and no one should question them, does that mean you have no choice in the matter?

Come to the Town Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m., Proctor School by Town Hall. Listen to the debate and vote.

Doran Donovan, Great Hill Drive, Topsfield