Springfield city commissioners agreed to place two issues before voters in November.

Commissioners reviewed two petitions at their meeting Tuesday night — one to fluoridate Springfield’s water and another a charter amendment to establish a hospital oversight board.

Last week the Clark County Board of Elections determined that both petitions contained enough valid signatures.

Springfield is the largest city in Ohio that doesn’t fluoridate its drinking water.

A number of people spoke in favor of fluoridation, citing improved dental health.

“This is the ultimate public service we can give to children,” dentist Cathy Crompton said.

The fluoride issue must go on the ballot because voters rejected a similar ordinance in 1970. Only voters can undo a ballot decision.

A few people spoke against fluoride, citing a number of health concerns and some studies that have linked it to cancer.

Deborah Catrow found numerous health risks when she researched it.

“Fluoride doesn’t cure everything,” she said. “We need to get the sugar out of our kids mouths … It’s about nutrition, not about fluoride.”

Commissioner Kevin O’Neill thanked the Citizens Together for Good Health for collecting the signatures. He looks forward to the November vote.

“This is how the system works,” O’Neill said.

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