The Editor,
Re. "Letter writers 'get a grip'" (Letters, The Tri-City News, April 20).
To Coquitlam residents who have been observing council meetings, it is of no surprise that Coun. Terry O'Neill has made controversial comments about the felling of trees in Glen Park. This is just the latest in his anti-environmental platform.
In his mind, some residents who are concerned about the rapid densification of the city and its effect on our natural environment have become "green-washed" and are now irrational, emotional and "eco-hysterical."
He writes that if we are that concerned about what has happened in Glen Park, we should make our way to Walton Park and "hug a tree."
For Coun. O'Neill's information, Walton Park is an urban forest whose magnificent trees were also slated to be felled until a local group of residents led by Helen Brown took on city hall and won. Coun. O'Neill's twisted logic seems to think that felling a tree is no different to pulling a weed or mowing a blade of grass. Perhaps the city should send him to a basic ecology course to teach him about the importance of trees. He is the one who should "get a grip." For the rest of us, grab a tree and hold on, we are in for a rough ride.
For those Coquitlam residents who wish to discuss/ challenge the mayor and council on this or any other issue of concern in Coquitlam, please attend a town hall meeting at the Centennial Room, Centennial Pavilion, 620 Poirier St., Coquitlam, Saturday April 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity to let your opinions be known.
Maggie Moss, Coquitlam
