Negaunee residents urge council to stop water fluoridation and improve safety measures

Residents of Ishpeming are calling for a halt to water fluoridation following a heated discussion during the City Council meeting on April 16, 2025. Several community members voiced their concerns about the safety and ethics of adding fluoride to the municipal water supply, labeling it a neurotoxin and a form of medical intervention without informed consent.

Amanda Ganavetti, a local business owner, urged the council to stop fluoridation, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with the chemical. She was joined by Ron Elberth, who highlighted safety issues at a local crosswalk near the high school and called for improved lighting and visibility for students. Elberth also raised concerns about the lack of glass recycling options in the city, suggesting the establishment of a collection site to reduce waste.

Dr. Frank Jeffries, a holistic chiropractor, passionately criticized the fluoridation practice, describing it as harmful and based on outdated science. He urged the council to reconsider the implications of adding such substances to the water supply, citing potential legal ramifications for those promoting it. Other residents echoed these sentiments, with one individual stating, "I do not consent to putting poison in the water."

The council's response to these public comments remains to be seen, but the growing opposition to fluoridation indicates a significant community concern that may prompt further discussions or a special meeting on the issue. As the city navigates these health and safety discussions, residents are eager for transparency and a chance to voice their opinions on the matter.