Utahns react to a ban on fluoride in public water, in this week’s Inside Voices
Plus: A local veteran speaks out about recent government cuts.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prepares a smoothie with students on a tour of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Monday, April 7, 2025.
| April 12, 2025, 12:05 p.m.
Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
Utah has become the first state in the nation to ban fluoride from its public water systems, a move that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says makes the Beehive State a “leader in making America healthy again.”
Some locals lauded the decision and celebrated on social media — including on The Salt Lake Tribune’s Instagram post recapping Kennedy’s recent visit to Utah. Others worried about the impacts.
“Good to see Utah leading the way in reversing decades of unhealthy practices. Keep it up and Kennedy is doing a great job.”“I grew up in a place without fluoride, and my teeth have suffered a lifetime of cavities, crowns and implants. RFK is not acting in our good health, being an anti-vax activist!” “Good - I’m convinced fluoride in drinking water led to my autoimmune disease.”“It’s terribly sad and frustrating that people don’t trust experts in their fields anymore.”“Awesome. Glad to see Utah welcome diverse opinions. The left must absolutely hate this.”“This man is an insult to every educated scientist and physician in the state of Utah. A self-dealing conspiracy theorist who lacks empathy and integrity.”Tell me what you think about recent public health changes in Utah, including the banning of fluoride from public water systems, a block on families from using food stamps to buy soda and limits on school cafeteria foods that include synthetic dyes and other chemical additives.
Utah Voices
(Eric Lee | The New York Times) President Donald Trump and Elon Musk explain the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
VA cuts
“I’ve experienced reductions in both the civil service and the military in the latter part of the ‘80s and again in the early ‘90s while serving in the Air Force,” writes Jeff Heyman. “The reductions in force in the ‘80s were brutal and uncaring. The reductions in force in the ‘90s came with a lot more compassion and financial support. The current reductions in force are more heartless and brutal than I’ve ever seen and experienced.” Read more. Stinky trees
“Overplanting Callery pears has not only led to unpleasant springtime odor, but to the rise of disease and city streets lined with dying trees just when those trees should be reaching their mature size,” writes Mike Lorenc, a lead horticulturist at Conservation Garden Park. “These problems weren’t about the trees themselves, but an overreliance on a small number of tree species; a problem we should make the choice to not repeat.” Read more. Utah’s ‘black hole’
“Time and time again, our volunteers took off work or school to testify at committee hearings, only to be denied the opportunity to speak,” write Frances Benfell and Chris Shapard, co-chairs of the Utah Sierra Club’s Legislative Committee. “Often, legislators asked how many constituents supported a bill and then only allowed an equal number of opponents to speak, even if the room was overflowing with dissenters. Our volunteers also noted multiple occasions where legislators seemingly disengaged entirely during public comment, whether they were busily typing away on their phones, holding side conversations with their colleagues or rolling their eyes at comments they disliked.” Read more. Spring skiing
“If you want to see a 1980s ski movie come to life, head up to your local hill on the last day the lifts are spinning,” writes comedian Brian Higgins. “You’ll see more denim than in an 1850s miner’s camp. You’ll see little rippers putting way more effort into their costumes than they did on Halloween. You’ll see people skiing lines you could only dream of on cross-country skis they got at the D.I. two days ago.” Read more. Remembering Mia Love
“Mia was described today as having ‘defiant positivity,’ and that is exactly how I think of her,” writes Tom Moyer, the Utah state co-coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby. “She believed fiercely in the promise of America — in an America that gives back, makes tough choices and has gritty determination. When I need to restore my faith in our democracy, Mia’s memory is one of the things that helps me bring it back. I’m proud to hold some of her defiant positivity in my heart.” Read more. Share Your Perspective
(Trevor Christensen | The Salt Lake Tribune) Scott Johnson shops for groceries for his family in Sandy on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024
Are you worried about the economy? Why or why not? Tell me how it’s impacting your personal budget.
From Bagley’s Desk
Practicing Medicine Without a License | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.
