I have a photograph of ugly lower California Avenue in Wahiawa, where my family still owns a house. I have many friends in old Wahiawa — a few of them rather prominent citizens in the community who supported all the legislators over the years.

This photo makes me wonder whether Wahiawa’s legislators actually live there.

I have watched Wahiawa go nowhere and mostly downhill since the 1960s. My family has deep roots there. My father and uncle once employed nearly 70 people in the Wahiawa and Waialua area.

Personally, I think that it has been our leadership in government that has failed the most. Our citizenry’s moral and social values have gone down along with our leaders. No one thinks that the problems are their responsibility.

The only fix is term limits. No more career politicians, no expensive pensions or benefit plans.

I have since moved away. I gave up. I still have family and friends there who deserve better.

Vernon Takato

Reno, Nev.

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.