AMA racing held in ’98

Gladys Ganiel should have talked to some of her co-workers (i.e. Larry Mahoney) before writing her article on the Motorcycle Hill Climbs.

I do not know when the first AMA-sanctioned event was here in Maine, but I do know that AMA-sanctioned Flat Track Motorcycle racing was held at Bass Park, in Bangor, Maine, the 29th and 30th of Aug. 1998, and will return the 28th and 29th of Aug. 1999. Emery Zambo

Race coordinator, Hampden

Thorne’s shot wide left

This letter is in regard to Gary Thorne’s article about the Peaks Island deer situation. Looks like we have another liberal so consumed with his leftist views that even democracy shouldn’t stand in the way when it comes to his opinion. He notes that ballots were sent to the property owners and they voted to eliminate the deer. If the majority of the property owners have decided the deer should go, who is he to question?

Of course, Mr. Thorne cries foul because it’s rumored not every landowner received a ballot. More liberal speculation to call to arms all of his pals to try and stop what the people decided. It has always struck me as funny when these left-wing types are all for democracy and the will of the people until they don’t get their way. Personally, I don’t agree with the elimination of all the deer on the island. Surely, there is a happy median. But once again, Mr. Thorne uses the terrible hunter to provoke hostile feelings where it has been decided that hunters won’t even be involved. I, as a hunter, have come to expect no less from the high and mighty liberals who don’t even know the meaning of the word `hunt.’

It is my opinion that Mr. Thorne should find a high school textbook and review the process of democracy instead of writing irresponsible articles that promote the view of, apparently, the minority of Peaks Island land owners and out-of-touch liberals like himself. One has to wonder about Mr. Thorne’s article when his biggest point is based on speculation and the old left-wing strategy of, when you have nothing relevant to say, resort to juvenile name-calling. Curtis W. Ballard

Bangor

Let deer on Peaks live

I am writing regarding Gary Thorne’s column on the Peaks Island deer decision. This is a tragic, senseless slaughter of Maine’s beautiful wildlife. These deer have just as much right to live as we do. If the residents of Peaks Island can afford to pay a sharpshooter $300 per deer, they can afford fencing for their gardens in order that the deer can remain on the island, or they can afford to have the deer relocated. Where is the justice in this decision? I am totally appalled that the city of Portland allows such a cruel act to occur. The legislators of Portland must be as cold and heartless as the property owners of Peaks Island that voted to slaughter the deer. What kind of society is this that allows a sharpshooter to kill tame deer? Kathy Myrick

Blue Hill

BDN cheated Santerre

Shame on you and the Bangor Daily News.

I went to get my paper early this morning, fully expecting on the top of the front page the words “Santerre Wins in Colorado.” What did I see? A Texan wins in France. How many papers do you people sell in Texas, or for that matter, France?

Open to the sports page – Red Sox lose, Armstrong wins, Bikers Battle, Ryan Inducted and Brewer surges – all worthy. But Santerre’s win was the big news, and you back-paged it.

Never has there been a finer man who overcame so many obstacles to accomplish so much.

A better role model for young people cannot be found.

Just a week ago, after a disappointing day in North Carolina, Andy came back to Maine and signed autographs for five hours in 90-degree heat, honoring a commitment he had made.

Andy Santerre doesn’t forget the people in Maine. Why can’t you people remember him? Jim Foley

Winterport

Note to readers: The NEWS asks letters be kept brief and reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity and to fit available space.

Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 or e-mailed to: bdnmail@bangornews.infi.net