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 Previous: FCC Amateur Radio Enforcement Letters for the Period Ending May 5, 2003 |  Next: Tense Moments Mark Safe Return of All-Ham Expedition 6 Crew |
 Maine SM Bill Woodhead, N1KAT, presents Gov John Baldacci with an ARRL Certificate of Merit for his support of Amateur Radio during Baldacci's tenure as Maine's second-district congressman. (L-R) Gov Baldacci, Woodhead, and ARRL New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI. [Phil Duggan, N1EP, Photo] |
NEWINGTON, CT, May 3, 2003--Maine Gov John Baldacci praised the dedication and value of Maine's Amateur Radio operators as he met April 24 with members of the Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association and other amateurs. He also checked into a 75-meter traffic net during his visit and promised to renew efforts--begun a couple of years ago--to get his ham ticket. ARRL New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, and Vice Director Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, were among those on hand. The governor's remarks focused on homeland security issues related to ham radio and Amateur Radio's value in providing backup communication during emergencies. He cited the devastating 1998 ice storm and the Y2K rollover threat as examples.
"Thankfully [Y2K] didn't cause any problems," Baldacci told the group, noting that hams were stationed in every Maine hospital just in case. "Their dedication and civic responsibility is appreciated, yet far too often goes unrecognized."
The governor also assured the Ellsworth group that the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) relies on Amateur Radio operators to support the statewide communications system. Baldacci pointed out that communication will be the most difficult and expensive part of the state's homeland security strategy. While some federal money has been provided for basic protective equipment needs, the governor said Maine would rely on Amateur Radio volunteers if primary telecommunication systems go down.
During a question-and-answer session, Maine Section Emergency Coordinator Max Soucia, N1KGS, told Baldacci that hams were having problems finding available and affordable tower space to set up a statewide VHF voice and data network. Soucia wondered about state-provided tax incentives to tower owners or other possible solutions. Baldacci acknowledged that the question involves legal issues and private ownership, but he promised to have MEMA Director Art Cleaves follow up. Baldacci said Cleaves had told him he could not imagine cost would be a factor given the tradeoff of emergency communication capability.
Brad Saunders, N1GZB, expressed concerns that some county emergency managers had no interest in using Amateur Radio in the event of a disaster. Baldacci again cited a response from Cleaves: "I can't imagine why those directors wouldn't embrace a volunteer group that provides a crucial back-up service for free." Cleaves assured in his reply that MEMA and the governor "have nothing but praise and truly rely on the capability that Amateur Radio operators provide."
 Maine Gov John Baldacci checks into the Maine Sea Gull Net on 75, while SM Bill Woodhead, N1KAT, event coordinator Phil Duggan, N1EP, and others look on. [Brenda Duggan, N1ZPV, Photo] |
Baldacci also pledged to recall any legislation banning cell telephone use by motorists that also prohibited hams from talking on microphones. Such a bill was soundly defeated in the Maine Legislature two years ago, but there's a similar bill in the current legislative session. Baldacci said if a bill reaches his desk with language that adversely affects Maine hams' ability to provide effective emergency communication, he would ask the legislature to recall it and explain the problem. "Maine is a large rural state," Baldacci said, adding that he felt driving while talking on a cell phone could be unsafe. "But in terms of an emergency, because you are ham radio operators, you have got to have that kind of flexibility," he told the group.
On the other hand, Baldacci was not very receptive to the idea of free or discounted amateur call sign vanity plates, which now cost $35. Like many states, Maine is dealing with severe budget problems, he explained.
The Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association presented Baldacci with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support of Amateur Radio during his tenure as US Congressman. ARRL Section Manager Bill Woodhead, N1KAT, also gave the governor a Certificate of Merit from the ARRL for his support.
Woodhead also provided Baldacci with the latest edition of the ARRL Technician study guide Now You're Talking. Baldacci said he'd add the goal of getting his ticket to his to-do list and would rely on the constant encouragement and help of Maine's hams to achieve it.
The governor also checked into the Maine Sea
Gull Net on 75 meters and used the opportunity to thank all who participate in
the National Traffic System as they practiced their communications skills and
provide a valuable public service.--Phil Duggan, N1EP
| Previous: FCC Amateur Radio Enforcement Letters for the Period Ending May 5, 2003 | Next: Tense Moments Mark Safe Return of All-Ham Expedition 6 Crew |
