The Associated Press 04/16/98 5:52 AM Eastern
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- Whatcom County's top health official is resigning with a blast at County Executive Pete Kremen.
Health Officer Frank James announced his resignation Tuesday, saying Kremen didn't support him and had not shown a commitment to ensuring the health of water supplies.
James called on residents to make their voices heard next year, when the positions of Kremen and some County Council members are up for election.
"I hope that if nothing else happens out of this, that a half-dozen people run for elected office," he said. "We need leadership. Right now, we are in a desperate vacuum for that."
James, who has been health officer for nine years, caused a stir late last month when he issued an open letter, criticizing what he described as county government's lack of concern and inaction regarding water quality.
He threatened to resign if the county didn't do more, and on April 2 said he expected to be fired.
Kremen began action April 1 to terminate James, but denied it was related to James' criticism of county government.
Kremen said confidentiality requirements prevented him from discussing James' employment, but said he wasn't surprised by his resignation.
"I believe that this outcome is in the best interests of all parties involved, and I want to assure the people of the county that public health services will be provided until a new person is hired," Kremen said.
James said he will stay on the job while the administration searches for his replacement. After that, he said, he plans to stay involved in county water issues by working with environmental groups.
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