It seems clear that the Labrador Retriever will not be Maine’s official state dog. While, this might not be the outcome Stacy Gile of Arundel wanted, there’s more to this story than which dog breed will be the next Maine icon.
It started months ago when Ms. Gile contacted me about submitting this bill. As the proud owner and foster parent of rescue dogs, it wasn’t exactly an idea that I personally felt compelled by. But that’s not the point. As the senator for Senate District 32 ”“ representing Biddeford, Arundel, Kennebunkport, Dayton, Lyman, and Alfred, it is important that I do exactly that: represent my constituents at the State House.
Ms. Gile had an idea that she was passionate about. She did her homework. And, she was eager to participate in the legislative process. Because of that, I was happy to be the sponsor of the bill An Act to Recognize the Labrador Retriever as the Official State Dog (LD 107). And so as the legislative process started, Ms. Gile was there every step of the way.
As is the case for all bills, LD 107 got referenced to a committee: the Joint Select Committee on State and Local Government. The committee held a public hearing where everyone who showed up, testified in favor of the bill ”“ including three elementary school students from Rockland. Then, last week, the committee held a work session and voted the bill “ought not to pass.” The full Legislature will soon have a chance to vote on the bill ”“ but the bill’s fate is largely pre-determined by the “ought not to pass” recommendation.
However, the success of this bill is not whether or not the bill passed or didn’t. Its success is that Stacy Gile made her mark in our state’s government. She participated in our democracy. She advocated for what was important to her.
In grade-school civics class, we learned that government is run by those who show up. Ms. Gile showed up. And so do the 186 lawmakers in the Maine Legislature. We are there to do your work ”“ the people’s work. We are there to provide a voice and provide access to the legislative process. And, we do our jobs best when we hear from you.
These days, it’s easy to be cynical about government; but, cynicism leads to apathy. And since we all have a stake in how well government works, I would like to offer another perspective. Check into what is going on ”“ whether it’s in local government with your school board or town council, or in Augusta at the State House ”“ or all the way to Washington D.C., your voice really does matter.
Sometimes people say they don’t really care about politics or government ”“ but then I ask:
Do you care about your local school? Do you care when the roads get plowed? Do you care about the quality of Maine’s rivers, oceans, lakes, and ponds? Do you care about having health insurance? Do you care the cost of your heating bill? The list is endless.
Each person who takes the time to engage with government, they are making it more democratic and more responsive to all of our interests. So, instead of griping about what you don’t like, do something to make it different. That’s what Stacy Gile did. She wanted something different ”“ and she sought to change it.
— Senator David Dutremble represents Senate District 32 which includes Alfred, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport, and Lyman.
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