Fluoride Story Misconstrued Quote

In a recent article about the issue of water fluoridation in Port Hueneme, it was reported that I had said that I would not follow the direction of the City Council, and would vote against fluoridation should the issue come before the water agency board of directors. My actual quote was, “I could never be directed to vote in any manner that I considered to be not in the best interests of the people in this community.” I hope that all elected officials feel the same way.

While it may be possible to interpret my statement as a flat refusal to comply with the direction of the majority of the City Council, in this case, more than nuance was lost. I have never said that I would ignore the directives of the council majority. In fact, it remains to be seen whether this matter even comes before the water agency board.

In the meantime, I intend to devote my efforts to the campaign for a statewide non-fluoridation initiative. I urge anyone else who is concerned about this issue to do the same. This is clearly a matter worthy of a full, fair and open public debate.

JONATHAN SHARKEY, Mayor pro tempore, Port Hueneme