Maine’s equivalent of the federal Hatch Act (MRSA Sec. 7056-A) prevents government employees (like Inland Fisheries and Wildlife workers) from endorsing political candidates, but it doesn’t silence their opinions on referendums, like Question 1’s bear baiting ban.
Where was the public and media outcry when government employees so vocally opposed the proposed TABOR tax cuts a few years ago? Those employees feared that law’s adverse effects, so they spoke up.
Today, to agree with the Humane Society of the U.S. and Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting requires a silent conclusion that Maine IFW biologists are either incompetent or unethical. If that insult doesn’t offer legitimate reason for them to publicly rebut the referendum supporters’ arguments, what does?
The vast majority of sportsmen and sportswomen who indirectly pay much of IFW’s salaries would likely agree that their speaking up on this issue is necessary, appropriate and represents dollars well spent.
Stanley Rose
Pownal
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