Sarah Radmer’s Aug. 7, 2013, article “Fighting to Save A Tree” and property owner John Peterson’s priorities are sadly inverted.
Approximately 10 years before Peterson and father planted that tree, a City Light wire, which had somehow been severed by contact with a tree branch, killed a young boy and severely injured his brother. The elder boy grabbed it to swing on it over a ravine. The [electrical] current was so strong, he couldn’t let go.
He yelled to his brother, “Don’t touch me,” but his brother did and broke him clear from the wire.
By the time help summoned by their sister arrived, the elder brother was dead and the other brother was severely, permanently injured.
I doubt Peterson wants to see another electrical-burn injury. I, for one, am very glad City Light is persistent with its tree-trimming program.
I do hope he will assist, rather than obstruct, City Light’s effort to protect the integrity and safety of its wires. Those branches need to go so that he can receive his electricity safely.
Perhaps Petersen and his arborist can come up with a suitable name for the safety cut of their tree: “Safety First”? Or some design that makes the safety cut a branch- and ornament-free enhancement and memorial to the boy who died 45 years ago.
Blake Howe , Queen Anne
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