There is something wrong with the present system of managing our fisheries and wildlife.

Dennis Smith of Otter Creek recently wrote, “The Advisory Council, which consists of 10 knowledgeable, experienced outdoor people, is merely a rubber stamp with only negative power.” On a number of occasions, different council members have suggested ideas on how fishery resources might be made better. Most of these suggestions die because fishery division personnel do not want outside input.

Have you ever been to a regional meeting of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department? Have you ever seen any laws passed on the suggestions of the general public? Are you happy with the present conditions?

The Advisory Council must be changed to the Governing Council. There should be 16 members (one for each county) elected by the license holders in each county, not appointed by the existing council, the governor or any other politician. They should be elected and responsible to license holders — the people who are paying the bills.

The council should be hiring the professionals who manage this department. These positions should not be political appointments. The department people are supposed to be working for the people who buy licenses. Last year there were 292,000 resident and 133,000 nonresident licenses sold in the state of Maine. These 292,000 people need and want more to say in the future of our fisheries and wildlife.

Something is broken. Our system is not working. Our money is being used up in wages, not programs.

Can the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine make the necessary changes or should we form a new nonpolitical organization to gain some control of the future of our fisheries and wildlife programs? I’m ready to do something, are you? Pat Gagnon Presque Isle