May 8. 2013
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The Week Review
ÿlortlanb (Observer
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Page 3
Fred Meyer
Page 2
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Teeth Grinding
Serious discussion
ahead of fluoride vote
Townley
Covington
by D onovan M. S mith
X
T he P ortland O bserver
The fluoride debate in Portland is causing serious
teeth grinding on both sides of the issue.
On May 21 ballot measure 26-151 will give voters
the decision of whether or not to fluoridate the city’s
water supply. Many groups and individuals are rais
ing their hand in support or rejection of the proposal
which was referred to the primary ballot after being
approved by the Portland City Council.
The Portland Observer took to the streets to see
how people are feeling about the issue and came
across some interesting answers:
Townley Covington, a Portland resident for more
than 20 years, grew up with fluoride in his water in
California. He put very plainly, “I ’m 42 years old, I ’m
from California and still don ’ t have a cavity yet. So I ’m
with it, I’m pro.”
Paul Brewer who also grew up out of state echoes
that sentiment, One of the things I noticed is when I
went into the military, I was getting a dental examina
tion and the dentist had commented on the condition
of my teeth; which she said was good. And I told her
our water was fluoride treated.”
He added in his later years dental work has become
a must, but attributes his good dental health start in life
to water fluoridation.
Others are skeptical. “It’s good for strong teeth, for
the children especially. The con is chemicals in the
water, I’m not too keen on having chemicals in the
water,” said Kristy McPherson, who indicated she
was still not sure on which way to vote.
Dion Ragsdale questions if there’s a deeper story
to be uncovered behind the ballot measure.
“I don’t know what to think about it because there’s
so many things the government tells us we need, or
that they try to do and then they’ll have ulterior
motives,” Ragsdale said. “The fluoride might be mak
ing your teeth stronger, but what are the other health
problems you could get from it in the long term?”
METRO
Page 11
continued
Paul
Brewer
Kristy
McPherson
Dion
Ragsdale
Kris
Gonzales
Ray
Karla
Caballo
on page 7
Gas Station Murder Suspect Named
C alendar
C lassifieds
pages 18
Police are now on the hunt for 23-
year-old Lonnell Demarcus George
who is wanted for the murder of 18
year old Edward Jewell Paden Jr.
Paden was gunned down March
23 at a gas station on the comer of
N o rth e a st 60th A venue and
Killingsworth Street in the Cully
Neighborhood.
The Portland Police Bureau in
cooperation with Crime Stoppers of
Oregon is asking for the public’s
help in locating George, who is con
sidered armed and dangerous.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash
reward of up to $ 1,000 for informa
tion that leads to an arrest in this
case. Tips can be left online at
crimestoppersoforegon.com or by
contacting Detective Rico Beniga
at503-823-0457.
Lonnell
Demarcus
George