Mayor Ed Lee Pulls Money Out of Ass, Doesn't Stink This Time

Mayor Ed Lee has proposed the transfer of street-side tree maintenance of some 24,000 trees over to homeowners during the next seven years, saving the City a whopping $600,000. 

The plan would transfer 6,400 trees next year, and complete the transfer of the remaining 18,000 trees within seven. Any property owner who wants to object to a transfer would be able to via an established public hearing process.

This year, the SFDPW spent $2.2 million on street-tree care, Mayor Lee's proposed budget would cut that amount to $1.6 million. The proposal must first be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

In an article from the San Francisco Examiner, Mission district homeowner Ben Margot was quoted saying, "If it were $1,000, I’d be angry. But if it were $10, I wouldn’t be so angry,” he said. “I’m worried more about my neighbors who are on a fixed income."

Although many older or low-income homeowners might feel a pinch from some added expense every few years, I think most others will seize the opportunity to plant flowers, or even replace the tree with one native to California (most aren't).

This might be the start of something even more inspired than the man who introduced the idea in the first place. Ed or Dead!