Tracking legislation of concern to outdoor people

It’s safe to say the majority of Maine’s sportsmen will follow closely the tracks left in the Legislature by L.D. 2366 and L.D. 2332. By now you should be familiar with L.D. 2366: “A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Maine to protect revenues raised by the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.”

Thankfully, sportsmen displayed their collective political s Thankfully, sportsmen displayed their collective political strength by contacting legislators and urging support of L.D. 2366. Subsequently, the bill presented by Rep. Paul Jacques of Waterville and co-sponsored by Sen. Michael Pearson of Enfield, Sen. Charles Summers of Saco, and Rep. Dorothy Rotondi of Athens, was transferred from the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government to the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs.

Now it is the responsibility of sportsmen to take a fresh track, so to speak, by contacting members of the Appropriations Committee and emphasizing the importance of L.D. 2366 to Maine’s sporting community and economy. Following are the names of the Appropriations Committee members and the phone numbers at which they can be contacted: Senators – Joseph C. Brannigan, D-Portland, chair; Michael Pearson, D-Enfield; Ruth S. Foster, R-Ellsworth. Phone: 289-1540 or 1-800-423-6900. Representatives – Lorraine N. Chonko, D-Pejepscot, chair; Roger M. Pouliot, D-Lewiston; Donnell P. Carroll, D-Gray; Michael H. Michaud, D-E. Millinocket; Charlene B. Rydell, D-Brunswick; Judy Paradis, D-Frenchville; Clyde A. Hichborn, D-Howland; Judith C. Foss, R-Yarmouth; Mary H. MacBride, R-Presque Isle; Gary W. Reed, R-Falmouth. Phone: 289-1400 or 1-800-423-2900.

Since the $519,000 “loan” of the DIFW’s “dedicated funds” (license revenues) to the Dept. of Conservation – I understand the money then was transferred to the general fund – the clamor arising from sportsmen has been as constant as that of geese coming to a cornfield. Oddly enough, though, in the actual language of the loan, no stipulation was made in regard to repayment.

No sooner had that “shell game” raised the hackles of sportsmen across the state when Gov. McKernan recommended another $1,900,000 loan of the DIFW’s money to the general fund. Considering that no reference was made to repayment in the language of the $519,000 loan, what reason was there to believe the nearly $2 million would be paid back? Earlier, I referred to it as “political piracy.” It’s worse than that; it’s political poaching.

Now we come to L.D. 2332: “An act to provide additional funding for the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife through increased license fees.” The question is obvious: if the DIFW is so financially fat it can afford loans totaling nearly $2.5 million, then why is an increase in license fees necessary?

In accordance with that, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine is opposing L.D. 2332. While addressing the Joint Standing Committee on Fisheries and Wildlife recently, SAM Executive Director Tom Nannery, said: “…It is with deep regret that our organization has to take this position in opposition to a fee increase. Clearly, there is a definite need to improve the funding for DIFW. There is no question that additional game wardens are necessary. There is no question that additional biologists would serve the resources well. There is little question that the department is struggling to achieve its goals of protecting the resources.”

After referring to the farce mentioned above, Nannery continued: “There is no issue more important to the sportsmen of the state of Maine than the funding of the DIFW…. But, without some assurance that sportsman-generated dollars are going to stay within the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine cannot support this proposed license fee increase.

“Possibly,” Nannery concluded, “if the $1,900,000 `loan’ were negated, and a constitutional amendment was passed protecting sportsmen’s dollars, we might be able to support a license fee increase. But no other way!”

To watch the traditions and outdoor recreations synonymous with this state being degraded politically or otherwise is disturbing to say the least. Admittedly, I’m not politically astute. Therefore, the rhetoric I’ve heard recently in regard to the loaning and transferring of DIFW funds to other agencies or the general fund is of little interest to me. My concern is not where the money went; my concern is that the money was taken.

It is disheartening to know that an amendment to Maine’s Constitution is necessary “to protect revenues raised by the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife” – revenues that were “dedicated funds” in the first place.

As sportsmen, your collective strength is more important now than ever before. Join SAM, P.O Box 2783, Augusta 04338-2783. Phone: 622-5503.