October 7, 2006
Dear Sportsman,
I am proud of the long tradition of hunting and fishing we have in Massachusetts. For generations these activities have provided recreational enjoyment and have played an important role in wildlife management and conservation. I come from a hunting and fishing family and as Governor I will remain committed to maintaining that tradition and protecting the interests of sportsmen.
My running mate Reed Hillman and I have had the opportunity to attend events and meet with many sportsmen across the state. I have learned first hand about the good work that sportsmen do from the beaches on Cape Cod to the hills in the Berkshires and everywhere in between. I applaud the thousands of sportsmen across Massachusetts who are committed to preserving our wildlife and natural resources.
I understand the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and providing public access for hunting and fishing. I was pleased to support an additional $6.6 million for Open Space Bond funds, to be used in addition to the $1.8 million appropriated from the Sportsman’s Land Stamp this year to protect open space in Massachusetts. I supported a supplemental budget to increase the Marine Fisheries budget and pushed for more funding for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. I will continue to support funding for these budget items because they are important to our quality of life.
Additionally, I recognize the importance of the Inland Fish and Game fund and I will continue to support it as Governor. Sportsmen have relied on this fund since its inception in the 1940’s and I will ensure that it remains in place. Likewise, I support the citizens Fish and Wildlife board and the Marine Fisheries Commission. These panels ensure that sportsmen and fishermen are involved in the regulatory process and provide them with a forum to voice the concerns of their constituents.
I am pleased to have received the endorsements of many hunting, fishing and sporting organizations and individuals across Massachusetts including the Gun Owner’s Action League, the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council and the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association. They know as I do that this election is critically important to the future of hunting, fishing and gun ownership in Massachusetts.
I want you to know that if I am elected Governor my door will always be open to the sportsmen community. I ask for your support and vote on Election Day. With your help I look forward to working with all of you in the future.
Warm best wishes,
Kerry Healey
