It seems the Tacoma Pierce Health Department doesn't want to do what we thought was their mission statement: "To safeguard and enhance the health of the communities of Pierce County", but according to Mr. Cruz-Uribe about the rats and illegal dumping in this article: "This nuisance stuff... is not public health's role." Excuse me?

They claim that I-695 took $3.1 million from their annual budget and the legislature gave back about 90%, but they used the money to start two new programs.

Steve Marek, the public health manager, was recently in the news about Cell 2A going 7 feet deeper. He states that when public health is "truly" at risk, then they will investigate complaints. Do we have to wait until our water is contaminated and when the rats and illegal dumping get so big that nothing can be done? This is just another example of the attitude of the Health Department. Contact Mr. Cruz-Uribe to air your views.

Go to their website to see article "Rats! Complaints go unheeded".

Pierce County Health Dept.