Re: “Native tree plan could spell end of cherry trees, councillor says,” Feb. 22.
Of all the misguided notions Mayor Lisa Helps has trotted out, the plan to get rid of Victoria’s cherished Japanese cherry trees takes the cake. One wonders how folks in our Japanese sister city of Morioka would feel about the plan.
The cherry trees were gifts from the people of Japan and were carefully planned by species to bloom in intervals to extend the season of “pink snow.” What exactly does Victoria city council hope to achieve by removing one of Victoria’s most iconic features (next to the flowers she plans to annihilate)? What alt-left political agenda is being served here?
Never mind the devastation to tourist appeal, what about local residents’ opinion on the matter?
Helps has become reckless in her pursuit of her ideological agenda. She has made the claim that her re-election was a “referendum” and approval of her platform, which presumably includes the destruction of Victoria’s charm. News for her: An election is not a referendum and in a referendum, a 43 per cent showing is not a win but a convincing loss.
The only reason she won is that so many folks were eager to oust her that they split the vote.
I listened to the discussion at city council surrounding this appallingly poor decision and it can be best characterized by the word “moo.” I give credit to Coun. Geoff Young for having a considered opinion, but as for the rest of Helps’s cattle, shame on you.
A.F. Carlson
Saanich
