We deserve fluoride vote

On June 10, Brent Overson and Mary Callaghan of the Salt Lake County Commission voted not to allow the issue of fluoridation of our water to be placed on the November ballot.

Fluoridation is an important issue. There is no question that fluoridation improves the strength of developing teeth and helps prevent dental cavities. Fluoridated water does this far more effectively than either dietary supplements or topical applications. In a recent survey, 92 percent of voters surveyed wanted this issue placed on the ballot. In another recent survey, 98 percent of pediatricians felt that our water should be fluoridated and that this issue should be placed on the ballot.In voting to not place this issue on the ballot, Commissioners Overson and Callaghan have, in effect, stated that we adults in Salt Lake County are not responsible enough to debate the pros and cons of this issue in a public forum and then decide the issue ourselves. Shame on them! We live in a democracy, where voters have the night to decide issues themselves and to abide by the majority vote.

These two commissioners have voted to deny us this right. Their decision is appalling and speaks to their lack of respect for the public and their lack of belief in the democratic process. They don't deserve to represent us on the commission, and we, the public, do not deserve the kind of representation they are providing.

Kevin L. Havlik

Salt Lake City