We Mainers cherish our hunting traditions, which shouldn’t be threatened by out-of-state special interest groups. I thank Rep. Stanley Short Jr. of Pittsfield for submitting legislation to stop outside organizations from coming in and trying to change our way of life.

As executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, I have seen firsthand the reactions Mainers have had to out-of-state interests who are trying to change our state’s outdoor heritage. The election clearly showed that this is not what Maine people want. They have now voted twice to defeat legislation that threatens our hunting traditions.

Short’s legislation would create transparency during the referendum process. We deserve to know that Maine residents are the ones collecting signatures for proposals that could change state law. Currently, the Maine Constitution requires referendum circulators to be residents of our state, but outside interests get around this law by acting as witnesses to out-of-staters who gather signatures. This loophole allows organizations with no ties to Maine to come in and try to hijack our political process.

Short’s bill stands up for our state’s heritage and brings more transparency to the ballot process by ensuring that Maine residents are the ones collecting signatures.

David Trahan, executive director

Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine

Augusta

Editor’s note: The writer is a monthly columnist for this newspaper.

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