Bruce,
Your meeting last night was very informative and I thank you for holding it. However, it would be remiss not to point out that back in November of last year, the Richmond Times Dispatch put City Council on notice about the tree policy you said last night needed to be changed. In an article entitled "City chops down 5 times as many trees as it plants", reporter Michael Martz had already exposed the situation in time, meaning City Council has actually at 6 MONTHS of full public notice to take the actions you said last night needed to be taken.
Accordingly, the actual situation relative to trees chopped down vs new trees planted appears to be far worse than you discussed although perhaps the RTD and you were using different parameters for analysis. While this is an important numerical matter to resolve, it doesn't change the following:
To wit, City Council has been on notice for more than sufficient time to resolve many of the things you correctly pointed out last night needed to be resolved relative to trees.
We need a new and better policy on trees ASAP, it is long overdue, and based on my analysis, I believe you and Council can make it happen in 2008.
I wish you success. But rest assured that on my first day, if elected, as Richmond's new Mayor, you are invited to my office to help develop, along with others, a plan of action that will start the process of putting in place whatever ordinances and management policies are required to fix whatever may still need fixing in terms of city trees.
Again, enjoyed the meeting.
Sincerely,
Paul Goldman
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