The fluoride fight may not end on election day. If Ballot Measure 26-151 passes on May 21, attorney James Deal says he will file a lawsuit to prevent it from taking effect.

Deal practices law in Lynnwood, Wash. He is the president of Fluoride Class Action, an advocacy group opposed to fluoridation. According to Deal, Oregon law and public health rules require the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct numerous studies on fluoride before it is added to drinking water — and the EPA is no longer conducting such studies.

“If for some strange reason the measure passes, a lawsuit will knock it down,” Deal promises.

Progressives sink teeth into fluoride fight

Meanwhile, Portland’s progressive community is continuing to fracture because of fluoridation. The cracks were first apparent in the Voters’ Pamphlet arguments on the measure. For example, fluoridation was endorsed by social justice organizations like OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, but opposed by the liberal Pacific Green Party, a natural ally on most issues.

Now new divisions are appearing on the websites of both sides of the campaign. The committee in favor of the measure — Healthy Kids, Healthy Portland — lists a number of minority organizations as supporters, including the Latino Network. But the committee against the measure — Clean Water Portland — lists the League of United Latin American Citizens as a supporter…

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