Scanned, recopied or Internet copy, if there are errors, please e-mail me with corrections: Opening comments: More at the end. Part of the 1988 Mississauga election & the strange and troubling case of Stephen Morgan.Citizen committee set up to make Mississauga a city of trees - no didn't happen but great press, YES? Interesting how the Mayor recycled candidates from the last election? Mississauga News - Apr. 26, 1989 - by unknown - P5 To become city of trees Tree Committee Its official name is the Mississauga Arboricultural Committee, but you can just call it the tree committee. Informality is not only a style for the new group, it's more like their modus operandi. Chairman Stephen Morgan said Monday at a press conference at city hall that the committee wants to use persuasion and education to impress upon. the public the importance of trees in the city's life. The group was formed at the initiative of Mayor Hazel McCallion, who told council Monday night that "I'd like Mississauga to become known as the city of trees." Although the tree committee has no budget for this year and will act in an advisory role only, Morgan and his eight colleagues think they can make a difference in promoting a greener Mississauga. The group's official mandate is "to increase citizen awareness of the importance of trees and their contribution to a healthy environment for present and future generations." In addition, the committee aims "to promote increased citizen involvement in planting, maintaining and preserving trees throughout Mississauga." With the environment emerging as a major political issue, “the timing is right” for the group, says Morgan, a self-employed marketing consultant who announced in November that he would run against McCallion, then withdrew at the last moment. Part of the committee's role will involve “reversing the negative public attitude” that suggests the city's natural landscape is being seriously diminished by the large amount of building taking place, says Morgan. "If all the development you see is just concrete and manmade, it can be very discouraging," says the chairman. “But people have to realize that planting trees - that's progress too. They have to go hand in hand.” Although it has been meeting only a few weeks, the committee has been involved in the planning of Arbor Day celebrations and “adopt-a-tree” festivities to take place later this week. One of its first projects is to look at landscaping major “gateways” into the city. Asked if the committee will get involved in such political issues as the establishment of a bylaw to prevent the destruction of trees on private property, Morgan replied that “a change in attitude,” not legislation, is the answer. “When trees get cut down, people get very concerned,” McCallion told council. “I sometimes wish the concern was redirected to planting more trees.” McCallion originally asked the 16 citizens who applied to serve on conservation authorities last December to be on the committee. Nine agreed, including three people who were candidates for Ward 7 councillor in November, Jim Coren, John Premrl, and Elizabeth Fransisco. The other members of the committee include treasurer Gordon Patterson, secretary Wanda Richardson, Margaret Rutledge, Roy Averill and Robin Sundstrom. [1] Morgan says the committee will actively seek public input as part its efforts and will invite the public to attend some of its meetings. For more information, call 822-5124 or 274-7794. Home Page - Main Table of Contents - Back up a page - Back to Top [COMMENTS BY DON B. - |
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