The first commentary, by Rick North, encourages voters to defeat the ballot measure because of health concerns, lack of effectiveness and higher costs, while the second commentary, by Claudia Colen and Dr. Teran Colen insists the science is clear that fluoride doesn't have any negative health or environmental impacts and is a safe and effective option.
OPINION – November 28, 2012 -- I have been a general dentist for 36 years, graduating from Northwestern University Dental School in the fluoridated city of Chicago. I practiced in Chicago for 4 years before moving to Portland in 1980. I retired from my clinical practice at the end of 2008 and now devote my time volunteering my dental skills to low-income children and adults.
OPINION – November 20, 2012 -- Like it or not, fluoridation is all mixed up in politics. I don’t like it at all, but I don’t always get what I want, as evidenced by Stanford beating the Ducks last Saturday.
OPINION – October 17, 2012 -- There is one main benefit of Clean Water Portland's successful signature-gathering campaign to qualify for a city-wide referendum vote on fluoridation: It allows time for citizens to make an informed decision.
