In April 1997, the Bremerton City Council approved adding fluoride to the city’s water system after a group of residents identified children’s dental health as a major issue there.
Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island and many other American water providers started fluoridating their water over the previous half-century. Extensive evidence showed it reduced cavities and tooth decay. At an annual cost of less than $2 per customer, the decision was regarded as a common-sense and cost-effective measure.
But before it could begin, an anti-fluoride citizen group petitioned the city council to put the decision before voters. During a special election nearly two years later, residents rejected the proposal and outlawed any future action on fluoridation without a public vote…