With the newest onslaught of government stupidity, several ignorant individuals in the county and the city of St. Helens are threatening to cut down the trees lining the plaza in front of the historic courthouse. How many times must the good citizens of Columbia County rally to the defense of these beautiful trees, which have lined the plaza for so many years? Why is it, every other year, some one wants to cut these trees down? The information that I have gathered and spoken by the economic development person Janet Wright blames the blight of the ole down town area on the trees, adding that the trees are the reason that business's fail and no business is attracted to the down town area.
I mentioned to Janet that the trees add charm to the down town area and to the city as a whole, adding that in the South they always have a plaza or park out front of the city seat, or courthouse, (as well as in most old towns through out the country) she replied THIS IS NOT THE SOUTH! And I do not want to live in the South! And than huffed off, it was apparent with our exchange that she was irritated that I felt that the trees lining the plaza were appealing.
Several years ago this same attack on the trees came before the county board of commissioners, the tree hater as I described him wanted to cut the trees and turn the friendly green plaza into cobblestone, such as Pioneer Court House Square in Portland, I was appalled. I was further appalled when Commissioner Tony Hyde made his somewhat foolish comment, Quote: I never met a tree that I didn't want to make a stump! I honestly cannot understand such dumb remarks.
Honestly, I cannot remember what Commissioner Bernhard remarked, though I can remember what commissioner Corsiglia said. Joe stated that if any one tried to cut those trees down, that there would be a fight on the county's hands, most people love those trees and the plaza, stating that many people use the plaza, especially in the summer, adding that it is a focal point to the down town area and that he liked the trees himself. Finally a voice of reason, and like usual, it came from commissioner Joe Corsiglia!
With the typical amount of methane gas that is deliberately discharged within that city block from the county courthouse and the City of St. Helens offices, I find it not only necessary but also extremely important that the trees should not be cut down around that plaza.
I would like to know where the City thinks that they have a right to seek the destruction of these trees? Those trees are growing on county property, owned by each and every taxpayer in the county; those trees are well over 50 years old, many of us who have been born here, and those who have came later LIKE the DAMN TREES!
I suggest the people who are constantly trying to make St. Helens/ Columbia County, a replica of the city of Portland/ Multnomah County direct their energy elsewhere. Maybe Janet Wright should focus on bringing high paying jobs into the county. Maybe she should figure out a new way to bring business into this county/city(since she works together with the city on projects) instead of her usual choice, of the taxpayers of Columbia County subsiding corporations or yet, a better term, Corporate welfare, while the average worker in Columbia County loses wages and benefits to the very same corporations that she supports. And YOU SUPPORT, through YOUR PROPERTY TAXES under COLCO DEV AGENCY.
Tony Hyde needs to remember a statement that he made at a public meeting not to long ago, that he was now "GREEN" I suggest Tony help Joe block any action of the demise of the plaza trees.
I also hope, Commissioner Rita Bernhard joins in stopping, any further discussion of cutting down the plaza trees.
If you like the trees lining the plaza, please call your county commissioners and let your voice be heard, only the actions of concerned citizens can save the trees once again
County Commissioners
County Courthouse Room 331
503-397-4322
503-397-7243; fax