Letter: The city's Quality of Life board is not a substitute for a tree board

Letter writer says that while the board fulfills the Arbor Day Foundation's requirement, it 'fails ethically.'

By Guest Author
| 2:00 p.m. December 14, 2020

Ormond Beach Observer
Opinion

Dear Editor:

The editor's note following Rob Bridger's guest article "Save what remains of the Loop" states: "Regarding the tree city designation, the city claims its Quality of Life Board obtains the requirement for the Arbor Day Foundation." A review of five years' worth of minutes from QOL board meetings revealed the mention of the word "tree" three times. The QOL Board may fulfill the Arbor Day Foundation's requirement, but it fails ethically. Additionally, Commissioner Troy Kent is on record stating earlier this year that Ormond Beach does not have a Tree Board.

It is unclear what part of Rob Bridger's editorial is incorrect as Mayor Partington claims in a response; Mr. Bridger's fact-filled article provides a brief history of the Loop's establishment, development and threats. As anyone driving the Loop today can witness, it is undergoing substantial upheaval with the ongoing construction along its perimeter. Furthermore, the comparison of Save the Loop efforts to Save Ferris is a bit insulting (though I am a big fan of the movie).

Sincerely,

Georgann Meadows

Ormond Beach

Letters up to 400 words can be submitted for publication by emailing jarleene@ormondbeachobserver. Editor may edit for clarity and length.