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Bailey: Chewing on the details regarding fluoride in Collierville’s water system

By , Daily Memphian Updated: May 23, 2025 7:39 PM CT | Published: May 23, 2025 9:00 AM CT
Clay Bailey
Daily Memphian

Clay Bailey

Clay Bailey, a lifelong Memphian, has worked as a reporter in the city four decades. He concentrated on suburban coverage for the bulk of his career, except for a stint as sports editor of The Daily Memphian when it launched in September 2018. He now is suburban editor and also serves as a freelance sports writer for The Associated Press.

The national debate over fluoride in drinking water reached southeast Shelby County recently, and, like many such things in today’s world, opened the curtain for a debate show.

The Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the matter at a work session. There didn’t seem to be any indication that removing fluoride from the Collierville system in any immediate plan. Instead, maybe they just wanted to know about the practice, and what officials think are benefits compared to the detractions.

Just a mention, a question or a study of such issues is enough of an ember to ignite the argument. With the political spices of democratic and republican views mixed in, the discussion becomes a recipe for snarling and finger-pointing from the two sides.

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Subscriber Only Collierville Board of Mayor and Alderman fluoride Robert F. Kennedy Mayor Maureen Fraser

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