During a recent legislative work session, member of the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Rep. Tim Theriault, R-China, asked the rhetorical question, “Aren’t we trying to promote hunting?” At issue was a bill that pits bow hunters against crossbow hunters, and which in the eyes of many bowhunters infringes upon “their” bow hunting season. Theriault was the only member of the committee to vote for the bill as written.

Why does the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee exist? What is its purpose? Is it a publicly funded advocacy group for hunters and/or other consumptive use special interests, or is its responsibility to be non-partisan and objective?

Why do individuals like Theriault run for the Legislature? Is their intent to benefit certain special interests? Aren’t they there to represent all of their constituents?

Theriault is my state representative and I unsuccessfully opposed him in the 2016 election.

According to the Maine Oath of Office as defined in Article IX, Section 1 of the Maine Constitution, “I (name) do swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, so long as I shall continue a citizen thereof. So help me God. I (name) do swear, that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities, the duties incumbent on me as (office) according to the Constitution and laws of the State. So help me God.”

Perhaps Theriault should re-reread the oath of office that he swore to. I think he might find the answer to his question right there.

John M. Glowa Sr.

South China

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