Two articles, which ran next to each other in the Sept. 26 Herald, pointed out what I believe to be obvious failures of local government leadership. If there is one area in which governments should take the lead, it's the health and safety of citizens; and both the city and county have dropped the ball.

The first article dealt with septic tanks. Although the council made some progress, by approving an inspection fee, it has continued to fail to protect public health by allowing "most county homeowners" to ignore the legal requirements of operating a septic system. The result is sewage leeching onto the surface and into our waters. This is an outrage that should be indefensible, yet we have council-members who find flimsy excuses not to enforce the law.

A serious accident on Alabama resulted from a driver running a red light. Since the city failed to pursue red light cameras, I've been keeping an informal count of the times I've seen drivers run red lights. On roughly 40 percent of my trips into town, I see it. There are times when elected officials need to stand up for what's right, even if it's not popular. Driving is not a "right." It's a privilege which demands drivers follow the law. The police can't be everywhere all of the time, and red light cameras are a legitimate means of enforcing the law, as well as a deterrent.

These failures by local government are inexcusable and endanger us all.

Edward Wang

Bellingham