Thanks for expressing what a lot of us are feeling. Miller makes the right noises about progressive issues but seems incapable (or unwilling) to really accomplish anything.  
It leaves the progressive person wondering who or what to criticize. I am loath to bad mouth Miller too loudly lest I strengthen the hand of the right. And yet, it's a classic game for people like Miller to play the progressive game while doing absolutely nothing. 
 
You are right on about the trees. I think a very high percentage of city planted trees die from neglect. It is incredibly wasteful and demoralizing to see trees being planted that I know will not survive because of neglect.  
What about Joe Pantalone (another 'progressive' on council) who bills himself as the tree counsellor. 
 
There is a certain lack of civility toward the citizen from city staff (the parking people as mentioned in the article) but also the garbage men who seem to think it's great fun to see how far they can toss an empty can or bin. 
 
What has happened to the sense of 'belonging' or 'professionalism' of the civil service? I think it is partly a result of treating government services as a business instead of a civic right/duty. When calling government offices, one now gets a 'customer service representative' instead of a civil servant. 
 
Oh well. Brian, follow this up with some suggestions for change. 
thanks