The thing with trees is that they need to be the correct species in the correct location, otherwise thay are just another weed. Political party affiliations really can't change that. But I don't know enough of the facts to make an informed comment on the status of the tree in question because the papers never report the truth.
But, heck, if a guy loves a tree that much to stay up it for a few months to stop it being removed, then why not leave it alone. Petty power struggles by insignificant officials really piss me off. It's only one tree in the 'burbs, they should all move on to more important agendas.