Editor,
I was not at the workshop hearing on the Indian Bill, but I was at the open hearing. I was there to speak on another bill. I listened to all of the speakers from Calais and all the tribal members. I heard how they have tried for 10 years to get something in their area to help with the economy. It is a drastic situation up there.
I also heard how they have been shot down every time they’ve came before the legislature. I remembered when all the towns in southern Maine voted No on the casino. Then people of Maine voted Yes to have a racino in Bangor. Then, for the next 10 years the legislature would vote No for the Tribal Community to have the same thing. I felt ashamed. They now have 50,000 signatures from their area that say they want this. I say good for them.
I also feel very lucky to have a person of Gary Moore’s commitment, with the guts to say what he feels, to represent me. He is passionate about what he believes and he will not take back something he has said when he believes in it. I would not want someone representing me that would back down under pressure.
I believe he said what he feels to be true. I also believe that there is no good time to deliver such a message. I did not feel the committee members at the open hearing were biased. I did feel that there was a problem in the past 10 years and that is why I can understand Rep. Moore speaking out about it. That is what a hearing/workshop on a bill is for.
Just my opinion,
Alan Fernald
Standish
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