In recent weeks we have reported several times on the ongoing leaf blower dialogue in Brookline, Massachusetts. For several years now the community has been exploring restrictions on leaf blower use. This week, the issue was once again a topic of debate and many landscape professionals showed up to present their side of the issue and explain the importance of leaf blowers from their perspective, and it appears that their participation had a huge impact.
Faith Michaels of Faithful Flowers, who has been instrumental in opposing the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers provided the following update:
“It was great that so many of you who have never been to one of these meetings came out. It was great to see new faces and hear your comments. It was an unusual meeting in that the landscapers who came were given respect for the work that they do by the audience members and the Committee. You were listened to and made some in roads. One Town meeting member and home owner pointed out that all that was said by the opposition at Town meeting had little meaning once he actually heard from the hardworking men and women at the meeting last night. Congratulations for getting your point of view across. Some of our harshest critics are willing to give a registration program a chance. So we will have to do it together and follow through on communication and education. The Committee will be meeting for the next few months and I will update you with the meetings and agendas.”
Thanks to all of the landscape professionals who showed up at the meeting to represent the interests of the profession. This outcome is a terrific example of why NALP members must speak up on behalf of their profession. Our members are truly the only ones who can convey the impact that a proposal would have on their livelihood and business. As members of the community, your voice provides much needed perspective and carries a lot of weight. NALP will continue to work to identify opportunities for you to represent your profession and also supply you with talking points and resources to help you make your point. For additional information contact Paul Mendelsohn, NALP Vice President of Government Relations.
