Randall C writes, in part:
I went to Mr. Johnson's web site for the first time today. While he has
some interesting ideas, he has few practical proposals for how to
accomplish it all. (As an environmentalist I think it great for some of
his ideas to be implemented.)
I did find it disturbing, however, that while Mr. Johnson says he has been
working on environmental issues for 30 years, he showed a surprising
ignorance about our urban forest and trees in general. From his web site:
<<<<<
GH:
Randall -- thanks for the excellent and informed analysis.
I agree that DJ is heavy on ideas and not on implementation. The ideas are
a good and meaningful contribution to the campaign, especially if citizens
and other candidates will engage them.
By comparison, the DFL side of the mayoral campaign seems busy churning out
spin about everything from education (not the mayor's focus?) to the
absolute need for subsidizing stadiums built for billionaires and
millionaires to the political "hot potato" of crime in poor parts of town.
The DFL? All campaign rhetoric, all the time. Fair and balanced. Nothing
will really change in this "best of all possible cities" because the DFL is
snug and comfy.
Regarding "Dutch Elm" and "urban forests: I've found "Dutch Elm" referred
to in at least one other DFL (city council) campaign website -- can you
guess which one? I have not scoured others to check. The news media often
uses the term as well, as do many people who care about the issue. I work
for an elderly person who is an excellent gardener. She paid to have an elm
treated in front of her house. Calls it "Dutch Elm disease" for shorthand.
It is OK to criticize candidates, but I think we need top be careful that we
don't unleash the big cannons about "Dutch Elm" terminology too quickly
here.
Regarding the types of trees we need, Yes, Elms are good. Many elms will
survive, especially with treatment. Shade is good, too. We do need to
raise food, though. Fruit trees can grow in Minnesota, and even in
Minneapolis. I've seen it happen. This may not be ideal for some fruit and
nut trees, but we can grow them. I doubt that many folks have given thought
to this -- even foresters -- as we have assumed that shipping food from
California and New Zealand will always be cheap and easy. Also, with global
warming, we might have weather more suited to certain fruits and nuts --
trees, I mean!
I am not sold on Don Johnson for Mayor, but find that for me the race is
between him and Farheen Hakeem right now. I'd love to be persuaded that the
DFL is not simply the party of the false reality of billionaires,
millionaires, and the spin they use to keep the rabble in line. It looks
like we will have the message "no change" mirrored back to the DFL this time
around.
-- pedaling for peace and ecojustice from Lynnhurst for now -- Gary Hoover
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