By: Harold

Harold — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:47:08 +0000

I own a private residence in Atlanta. I had the unfortunate opportunity to be a victim of Tom Coffins abuse of his position. A few days after spreading a truckload of composted dirt over my yard to establish a lawn, I was in my yard when Tom Coffin drove up my driveway. He got out of his truck and without introducing himself screamed “get out of my way I’m here on official business!” After several attempts to get his name and him dodging around my yard refusing to speak to me; I called the police. After they arrived and spoke with him he nastily told me his name, position, and that I had to remove the thin layer of dirt or he was going to fine me $27,500 for disturbing my trees root zone! He wrote me a ticket ordering me to remove the dirt and left. No conversation, no explanation.
I made an official complaint to the city of Atlanta as I’m sure many who have had contact with him have had to do. He’s painting a picture of himself as the Joan Arc for the trees of Atlanta, but he was more like the Hitler of the same. I have 13 huge oak trees in my yard which I could have cut down, but I choose to keep. His manner and actions where volatile and unstable and I’m sure his superiors had just reason to terminate him.
When he returned to my house in 2 weeks to ensure that I had complied with his order(I had), he stated that the city arborists had full police power and did not have to speak or even state there name if they did not wish too.
Even if his intentions are wonderful he had the worst people skills I’ve encountered and was ill suited for his position.

By: Tom McCormick

Tom McCormick — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:43:00 +0000

I’m not on the Mayor’s side, and am fortunate not to reside in that disfunctional city. But, the fact is that this is not a “Right -To-Work state, and a reason for termination isn’t required. The mayor could simply say Coffin’s services were no longer needed.

By: Concerned Citizen

Concerned Citizen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:45:07 +0000

Great job to CL in helping publicize this issue. Tree cover is critical to the future of Atlanta. Just as important is how the City treats its employees, especially ones–such as Tom Coffin–who are hard working, highly professional, and follwoing the rules. The City’s decision to fire him sounds very fishy. I hope there will be thorough follow-up.

Comments on: Atlanta city arborist fired for working too hard gets a new supporter

By: Harold

By: Tom McCormick

By: Concerned Citizen