CLICKBACK ON TAXES, MOOSE

This week, ClickBack – the BDN’s interactive commentary feature – takes up proposals to increase fees for outdoor recreation; the moose hunt; taxes (appropriate for today, April 15); and this summer’s Olympics in China. To participate, go to bangordailynews.com and click through the ClickBack logo to comment. Some of the comments will be featured on the BDN’s OpEd page on Friday.

Should you need a permit to hike?

The state is considering raising the cost of hunting and fishing permits to help fund the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Warden Service. The proposed increase is modest – $2 – but why stop there? Why not raise permits to $100 per year for residents? Many Mainers pay that much to play a couple of rounds of golf or to ski for a day. The proposal raises related questions: Should kayakers be required to register their boats (for a fee)? Should hikers be required to buy a day permit?

Should moose permits be increased?

From reader Vaughn Anthony: The latest Maine moose assessment says that the animal’s population has doubled in the past decade while the moose browse has declined by 25 percent to 75 percent and parasites are now killing moose in significant numbers. The scientists say the herd should never be greater than 60 percent of its carrying capacity, which it now may be. The current permit system allows a removal rate of only 5 percent of the population, while 20 percent is required to merely stabilize the abundance. Would you favor increasing the moose permits to 20 percent, at least in some areas, to stabilize the abundance?

Does the federal income tax need an overhaul?

Presidential candidates such as Republican Steve Forbes ran on the flat tax proposal in 1996 and 2000. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee raised the idea again in his campaign. Is it possible to create a flat tax and not gore any income group? Or should the tax burden be shifted to the more wealthy or to corporations? How about a national sales tax?

What do the Olympics mean for world affairs?

As the Olympic torch makes its way across the globe, it has drawn protests from people advocating for China to end its occupation of Tibet. Some have called on President Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies in Beijing this summer. What is the connection between the Olympics and world affairs? Should the sports event be free of political overtones? Or is it legitimate to bring human rights concerns to the attention of the host nation?

What do you think? Go to www.bangordailynews.com and look for the ClickBack logo to answer these questions and others and to ask your own question.