SIERRA

   All these issues raise serious questions about whether our political system is or is not working. They beg the question: is it true that the system is working for the very few with the assets to influence the political process.

   The public works official in Chesapeake responsible for water quality stated he was going to do his job without bothering the public. The public health department did complain, but apparently were not listened to.

   For some reason, either the lack of funds, lack of qualified personnel or the lack of political will, DEQ [Department of Environmental Quality] was not actively involved in monitoring the removal of asbestos from buildings including schools.

   Recently there were a series of articles about the lack of enforcment of the Chesapeake Bay Act. Apparently those who want to build at the waters edge find a way to get the necessary permits.

   And most recently, a local developer has decided that it is totally legal to develop on non tidal wetlands. This is in spite of the fact that for the last two years there has been a huge effort on the part of the public to establish regulations to protect such wetlands. One individual, with a primary interest in making money goes to the courts fully expecting to win.

   The situation is not good. It will get worse if nothing is done about it. Right now the local group of the Sierra Club has no specific plan of action. We are willing to try, but we can not do it without your support and participation. Come and join us!! If not Sierra Club, than join some public interest organization. These patterns of doing business are well established and it will take a major effort to make a change.

   It can be done!