When the governor proposed a National Guard license plate, my initial thoughts were “how nice.” It is an honor more than deserved, and long overdue, to accord to Maine servicemen and women.

However, doesn’t tying this new proposal to the 2006-07 biennial budget as a new revenue source diminish that honor?

Nowhere in the proposed legislation is there a requirement for a proof of membership in the National Guard to receive these plates.

As a registration plate reserved only for National Guard members, it could distinguish them on the roads of our state, and elsewhere, as individuals dedicated to protecting our freedom here and on foreign soil, and serving our needs at home during natural disasters or crisis.

Members of the Maine National Guard have requested designated license plates in the past and that request has been ignored.

We have license plates for veterans, Purple Heart recipients, firefighters, antique autos and street rods, with chickadees, loons and lobsters. With so many choices, it seems we could afford to extend a singular honor to our National Guard to mark their special service without looking at it as a fund-raiser in the budget.

It is commendable a portion of the funds will go to the Maine Military Family Relief Fund. However, it would be a more sincere tribute to the National Guard members if it is an honor reserved for them

Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello, Poland

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