**Bernie Cox**

*Mayoral Candidate*
Nashville Tree Conservation Corps asked candidates running for Nashville’s 2019 election how they would solve some of our city’s most challenging tree canopy issues. See how they responded in the question and answer below!

Mayoral Candidate Bernie Cox Speaks for the Trees…

QUESTION #1

The Fort Negley clear-cutting and the NFL cherry-tree incidents illustrated something obvious: When it comes to the urban canopy, there is a breakdown of communication between the segments of Metro Government responsible for trees. The problem is that trees fall under the jurisdiction of many different departments (codes, stormwater, electrical, parks). What internal operational changes need to be made to better protect the existing canopy?

The NFL Draft Cherry Tree incident, in my opinion, was not a breakdown of communication between segments of Metro Government. It was another incident of poor negotiation by this administration, in order to accept only what was initially offered by the NFL. It was judgement of allowing any corporation into Nashville to write their own rules despite removal of historical value and our gifted Cherry Trees.
George Washington didn’t cut down the cherry tree, and Nashville residents didn’t allow the NFL Draft and Mayor Briley to cut down ours. Let’s save our roots.

QUESTION #2

Do you support the city’s first tree bill in over a decade (BL2018-1416) in its current form? If not, what changes do you want to see? Or should it be stronger and broader in scope? BL1416 impacts only commercial and multi-family land use types. Do you support enacting tree laws for single-family residential?

I accept the present tree bill in its original form, in order to increase the canopy as described. I do not support enacting tree laws for private residents, at this time.

QUESTION #3

Atlanta, Charlotte and Austin all have laws protecting a class of trees they consider to be “heritage trees; property owners must get approval for cutting them down and pay into a tree bank to offset the loss of a large trees in their communities. We feel this sets a tone that makes people more aware and respectful of the urban tree canopy. Do you approve of such legislation?

I absolutely support laws protecting “heritage trees”. The NFL cherry tree incident is a prime example of misuse concerning Nashville heritage.

QUESTION #4

TREES ATLANTA is considered by many to be the model for a public/private cooperative that works to protect urban tree canopy. TREES ATLANTA employees even help the city as on-site inspectors who follow up to make sure developers have complied with tree ordinances. What do you think of this model, or what would you do to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of Nashville’s tree code?

What is the associated cost for tax payers in Nashville? Trees Atlanta is one of the most widely known non-profits throughout metro Atlanta. Since inception in 1985, its mission has been to replace trees lost to development. However, shouldn’t these costs be considered as expense to developers as opposed to tax payers? I’m interested learning more in regards to Nashville tax payers.
I like concur having inspectors follow up to make sure developers have complied with tree ordinances. Let’s simply see what the cost is.

QUESTION #5

How could we entice private property owners not to cut down mature trees? How can we encourage developers/builders to keep mature trees in the designing of the home and lot?

Education and making folks aware! Not surprising, I believe the general public would like to be involved once they understand the issue!

QUESTION #6

Metro Nashville has just 3 employees to oversee all of Davidson County trees, while other peer cities with less tree canopy coverage have 15 to 20 employees on staff for trees. As a result, the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps has cataloged countless incidents where developers eluded complying with tree codes, the city has hundreds of hazardous trees that need to be replaced, and staff have trouble keeping up with just their everyday responsibilities. Do you support spending the money to bring us up to a par with our peer cities? If not, how will you fix this issue?

Again . . . what is the cost to tax payers. We simply can’t spend money we don’t have. I love the platform and idea. How do we pay for it? More research and creativity needed to come up with a plan that we can all agree with.

BONUS QUESTION FOR MAYORAL CANDIDATES

QUESTION #7

Is the current zoning board well balanced in terms of competing interests (i.e. environmental, developer, new revenue interests, etc.). And, if not, what would you look for in new appointees?

I entered this political ring of fire because I saw a need to calm existing tax and spend economics. Nashville does not have a revenue problem. Just the opposite. I certainly appreciate everything the Nashville Tree Conservation Corp. does to monitor and educate its citizens. I certainly agree with all efforts and look forward to working with all members to create legislation that works for all.

Mayoral Candidate - Bernie Cox - Speaks for the Trees!