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Support Tom Coffin's Legal Fund

Appeal for Support

By Tom Coffin

In numerous papers written since I was fired from my position as Senior Arborist for the City of Atlanta last July, all of which are available on an independent blog at http://holdingcitygovernmentaccountable.blogspot.com, I have demonstrated that Atlanta’s landmark Tree Protection Ordinance was not and is not being enforced in any systematic manner by the field arborists hired for that task. Without enforcement the law is meaningless. It is a sham.

The Bureau of Buildings, which hired my replacement in December, now pays five field arborists to accommodate builders and developers, to look the other way if illegal destruction is apparent or suspected, to stonewall citizen complaints, to make excuses for their failures – in short, to not enforce the ordinance. This would be indefensible in the best of times. It is outrageous and unconscionable in an economic climate that has forced hundreds of city employees to lose important jobs that they were actually doing.

The non-enforcement policy adopted by the City is a slap in the face to the many people and organizations that literally spent years in highly contentious debate to forge a law that made arboricultural sense and was acceptable to all parties – from the building and development community to environmental groups and neighborhood organizations to city staff members. The Tree Protection Ordinance, including its strong enforcement and stiff penalty provisions, achieved consensus among this diverse and representative group. The current ordinance, with minor revisions in 2006, was signed into law by Mayor Shirley Franklin in 2003. It has been tested and found to be fair and effective.

The Tree Protection Ordinance was violated by my firing. The consensus behind the law was breached by my firing. The trust achieved between government and citizenry was betrayed by my firing. The law is now a shell, mere lip service for the City: “Look at what a strong law we have to protect our trees, to protect our environment!” Ask Mayor Franklin. See what she says.

My firing was cynical, malicious and illegal. I have sued the city for reinstatement and damages. Given the cost of litigation, I am essentially committing my life savings to the legal battle. I fight not just for my job, but for the Tree Protection Ordinance itself. This fight should not be mine alone. I ask for your help.

I will appreciate donations of any amount to a legal fund in my name. Strict records of all donations will be kept. If I win the suit and am awarded sufficient legal fees and damages to cover expenses I will repay the donations, with interest if possible, on a pro rated basis if not. I will “make” no money on your generosity.

I also welcome any suggestions for fund-raising possibilities. I have received an offer to hold a tree climbing event for kids from 5 to 95 sometime this spring. There have been offers of possible benefit concerts. I will be glad to speak at neighborhood meetings. We can have fun together, learn together, support the trees together.

Please make donations out to Tom Coffin with “Legal Fund” on the “For” line. Checks may be sent directly to me at 1021 Highland View NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, or to my attorney, Brian Spears, at 1126 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Either way, all donations will be deposited in an escrow account in my name that will be managed by Mr. Spears.

Accompanying this appeal is a letter signed by five past Chairpersons of Atlanta’s Tree Conservation Commission. I have worked closely with all of them. They are all true warriors. I greatly value and appreciate their support.

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