[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Be forwarned: what I'm about to say will not help anyone.
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I called Code Enforcement. The citing officer said,
"It doesn't matter that the tree is not on your property. It's your problem." Thanks...a lot.
Let me get this straight: a neighbor's tree is about to fall on my house. If I don't save my own house from my neighbor's tree, I have to pay $1000. Ok, I think I got it, now.
We pay for these folks groceries. Shouldn't they be protecting us?
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In this case, your beef is with the law, not law enforcement. Don't take it out on cops; they're just doing their job. If you have a problem with the law, take it up with the applicable legislative body. By the time it comes down to the cops, it's too late.