Question 1 is NOT an ANTI -HUNTING bill. Voting yes on the black bear referendum would end cruel and unjust hunting practices that have terrorized, crippled and killed bears by hounding, trapping, and baiting.
Studies in states that have banned these methods indicate that black bears will reregulate their populations within five years.
The MDIF&W radio collars 85-110 bears a year in three small study areas in areas in Northern Maine and extrapolates from females successfully raising cubs in these areas of healthy bear density that bear numbers are increasing throughout the state, although hunting licenses/harvests have remained roughly the same since 1988. The “exploding” bear population is a myth.
Black bears evolved as and remain a PREY animal; shy and reclusive they are wary of humans and are rarely seen. A person has a one in a million chance of being killed by a black bear. The MDIF&W uses FEAR of more dangerous nuisance complaints to intimidate the public. Why? Because without public support this powerful agency could not continue to support unethical hunting practices. In places like Ely, Minnesota where supplemental food stations have been
Rep. Jennifer De Chant has had a perfect voting record of supporting public education in year 2 of the 126th Legislature. She voted for fair teacher evaluations, for fairness for retired teachers who wish to return to teaching, for a moratorium on for-profit charter schools, for a small increase for retirees, for restoration of money to cities and towns, and for expansion of pre-k programs so that all 4 year olds in Maine, whose families wish to send them, can have the benefits of pre-k which our children in RSU1 already enjoy.
Jennifer understands that public schools are the community infrastructure which supports us all and that teachers are critical in helping shape the future of our democracy.
I urge you to join me in voting to send Jennifer DeChant to the 127th session. Only the legislature can restore the funding our school budgets need for our children to thrive!
Margaret Leitch
Copeland
Bath
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less