Masterton

COUNCILLORS

Councillor	Fluoridation	Position statement
Doug Bracewell	Not sure	This is something that I have not given a lot of consideration. However when the topic arises I will consult people like yourself who have strong views and have taken the time to research the issue.
Gary Caffell	Not sure	Without wanting to be seen to be sitting on the fence I would need to read ALL of the relevant documentation from both sides of this argument before making a (hopefully) informed opinion. This is an important topic and providing central government bore the cost (district councils don't have the money to spend) a referendum could indeed be a worthwhile exercise. Sorry can't be more definite but as said before need to understand both sides of the story before providing definitive answers.

OTHER CANDIDATES 2010 ELECTION

Candidate	Fluoridation	Position statement
Peter Debney	For, supports consultation	I have to say that after 42 years teaching, 38 in positions of management with 22 as a school principal, children’s health including dental care has been a major concern, especially when you have seen both extremes, children without a filling, and, children whose teeth were blacken stumps. Good oral hygiene certainly contributes much to a young person’s well being. The reverse is also true in my experiences. I probably have been swayed to support fluoridation accordingly as for some children that was the only avenue for providing some form of oral care. I am aware of a growing body of research that has questioned the mandatory fluoridation of town water supplies. Should we fluoride falls into a similar category as whether parents’ should vaccinate their pre-schoolers. In the end it comes down to the decision of the parents, with the best interests of their children, taken in line with their sets of beliefs. Today, there is a greater acknowledgement and acceptance of an individual’s rights, in this instance the parents’ rights. In response to the question you ask of intending councillors, I am of the opinion that there needs to be a consultative process to assess our community’s understanding of the issue. Should this result in a significant body of opinion (a representative 35% plus across the community) requesting a referendum then I would fully support this.
Bruce Laing	Not sure	My wife and I have had our children on courses of fluoride, not continued as it's another thing to do and buy. Thus the need for fluoridation to reach those that won't buy their own. Yet there is plenty of opportunity to get it if you won't e.g tooth paste pills. I feel self responsibility is a good thing, and we should be able to have the choice to have or not, an option taken away by fluoridation. I will reserve my choice until I have checked some figures. We should be able to rely on info from the Ministry with public comment and debate welcomed to keep prospective. Communication and consultation should be on going as we learn better ways.
Toi Walker	Against	I will address this issue with the community at large,share with them the pros and cons of fluoridation as explained via the reports shown. And also through personal consultational survey with the community where they have expressed negative responses to fluoridation of the water. From there, we would make a positive and assertive move to the authorities concerned to have it removed.