The weather has been unusual for Maine in January with the temperature nearing 50 degrees a couple of days last week. When I drove into Rockland yesterday morning I noticed that a couple of ice fishing shacks had gone through the ice. I guess with all of the warm weather and rain the ice is not very thick. We are back to normal temperatures now and it is snowing hard this afternoon so at least it feels like it should be January and not May. The latest weather story is that we will get 3 to 6 inches up from the inch or two they were talking about this morning.
The most recent Guides Small Business seminar was the best one so far, in terms of number of participants, content and excitement when folks walked out of the room. I had help from a lawyer and an accountant that added a whole new dimension to the information on business forms, risk management and record keeping. I enjoyed very much working with two other professionals and hope that they enjoyed themselves as well. I made a voice recording of the seminar and am hoping to have it transcribed to make available in the online store as a download. The next seminar is scheduled for April 1 at the Maine Principals Association in Augusta.
I am the lobbyist for the Maine Bowhunters Association and part of what I do is work with the Maine Legislature on issues important to the group. I attended a hearing recently to give testimony on a proposed new law. While there I was impressed again by the access to the political process that we enjoy here in Maine. I had not worked directly with the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife since I left the state agency in 2003, before some of these legislators had been elected to their seats. Some of them knew me from long ago when I lobbied for the Maine Professional Guides Association but most did not.
Access is simple, park in the garage across from the capitol and walk right in to the committee room. When I stood up to give my testimony I was greeted professionally, politely and listened to by each member of the committee; even though I was opposing a bill proposed by one of their members. A renewed sense of pride in the open political process in Maine came over me as I stood in front of them. All regular folks with varied backgrounds and levels of understanding of the issues meeting to discuss things that matter to them and the people that they represent. Do we all agree on every issue facing fish and wildlife in Maine? Most likely not, but we do all share a desire to do our best on behalf of those resources and because of that we have a common bond. I have met many Maine legislators over the years and almost every one of them was there because of a desire to do well for our state. We are truly fortunate to have the open government that we do.
The first deposits for trips next summer are have arrived. I anticipate a busy summer of fishing and canoe trips if you know when you will be in the area and are planning to spend some time in the Maine Outdoors lets arrange a time together now.
Best regards,
Don Kleiner
Master Maine Guide
