I thought it was interesting in the Dec. 3 issue of Speak Out there were three letters regarding citizen's rights. One was about the proposed tree ordinance, one was about terrorists, and the other was about the Patriot Act.

Sadly to say the city is about to further impinge upon my constitutional rights. If I plant a tree and nurture it, it suddenly is seized by the city, and becomes city property in that I can no longer take care of it without city approval. If I think that the tree is a hazard to my house or children, I have to obtain the opinion of an arborist first. If the arborist disagrees with me and the tree falls and harms my children, neither the arborist nor the city has any liability.

I would propose no ordinance on private property trees. Sure we will lose a few trees, but I think it is better than surrendering my constitutional rights because someone likes the looks of my property. I'm glad I didn't have to go before "The Looks Committee" in order to become a resident.

—Walt Hillblom, Alondra Lane