Kudos to Jason Hardin for his article concerning the disappearance of trees in Guilford County (June 24).

Let me begin by stating that I'm not a "tree hugger." However, it is sad to drive around this county and see forest and rural areas turned into more unneeded housing developments. I think that corporations should look into the redevelopment of existing unused properties like what Lowe's and Wal-Mart did with the old Kmart and Carolina Circle Mall properties.

Citizens should not look for any help from most of the zoning commission, city council or county commissioners. They are just rubber stamps for any developer that comes before them with a rezoning request.

As a "veteran" of several hearings before these "deities," I am winless. Anyone seeking local political office should think of running on a land conservation platform. I think a lot of frustrated voters would support a candidate who would strike a balance between conservation and development.

Or, if the politicians who are now in office would read Hardin's article or bother to listen at these hearings, maybe they could grow some spines along with some trees.

Keivin Smith
Greensboro