Earlier this week, The Maine Wire ran an op-ed by Larry Lockman entitled “Ballot Box Boomerang: Will Maine Republicans Overcome Their Addiction to Legislating by Referendum?” Below is a response to that piece submitted by Allen Sarvinas of Protecting Girls’ Sports, a group that is circulating petitions for a referendum question on next November’s ballot.
by Allen Sarvinas
After reviewing the last ten years of state referendum questions, it’s clear there is no trend of “Republicans…legislating by referendum” and indeed no “addiction.” This is another baseless haymaker from the comfort of a dead red district.
Strike one.
To the pessimist upset about our fight, we are not afraid of bullies like Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. She’s demonstrated that progressives can’t win fair and instead resort to weaponizing government. That’s not democracy. It’s tyranny. Do you stand by and let tyranny prevail? Hell no. Neither do we. Will we continue to fight tyranny every single day to protect girls’ sports and spaces.
Strike two.
Regarding funding, the only reason it exists in Maine is due to our referendum. Without us, that funding would remain out of reach. The energy we’ve generated has powered get-out-the-vote efforts that have won local elections and secured victories for girls’ sports. Maine now has eight school districts enforcing Title IX. Other blue states are leaving their girls behind. We are the only force achieving this success while turning these election wins into policy reform. Wise leaders will ride this wave of momentum. This funding is directly pushing Maine toward common sense and saving girls’ sports. We are reclaiming victory.
Strike three. You’re out. Maine needs stronger voices. Voices that motivate and mobilize our grassroots, not just rely on moral outrage without follow-through. We are sending a clear message to those in fear: We have fought this war battle by battle, victory by victory, at the local level. We’ve won. Now, we are ready to win this fight too! Will you join the fight at protectgirlssportsinmaine.com?
