I applaud Clearlake City Administrator Dale Neiman for denying a request to have a healthy tree cut down next to Mr. Murata”s driveway. Murata (Letters to the Editor, Record-Bee, Dec. 22) cites that the tree is unsafe and can potentially cause cracking of the sidewalk and water pipes; however, these issues are not reality.
Mr. Murata proclaims to be a taxpayer and cannot believe that his tax dollars won”t pay for his unwarranted request. A healthy tree does not pose a safety problem. A resident of Redding, Mr. Murata exposes the true reason for his request when he shares with the reader that he owns several properties here; he is apparently a land developer, and he wants the taxpayers of Clearlake pay to have a tree removed that is an “inconvenience” and “hindrance” to his profits.
It”s apparent the City Administrator weighed the interests of public safety, the environment, and fiscal responsibility and made the right decision. Mr. Murata would be better served to sell his properties here and buy in L.A. where cement is more prevalent that trees.
Diane M. Watson
Clearlake
