Poughkeepsie – By a four to two vote, the Poughkeepsie Joint Water Board Tuesday voted to reintroduce a fluoride chemical back into the city and town’s water supply. Use of the chemical was stopped some time ago because of a mechanical issue.

Water Board Chairman Frank Mora has been arguing to keep the chemical out saying there is no proof that it will have any positive results. Both Poughkeepsie Town Supervisor Patricia Myer and he voted against its reintroduction.

“Fluoride in New York is not mandated by the health department to be put in the water; it’s a recommendation, they say,” Mora said. He asked county and local officials for their reasoning for the reintroduction.

Mora said he received no answers and in fact, those who voted for it said they could now ask the state for answers to the questions.