In August 2006, a Turner woman, concerned with a strange looking dead animal, called the Maine Warden Service for help. Col. Thomas Santaguida endorsed the local warden’s refusal to respond, citing monetary concerns. Apparently 50 cents per mile is too great an expense to put the public at ease.

Yet, he has no obvious monetary concerns when it comes to housing some Inland Fisheries and Wildlife employees. The department has been providing free housing and all utilities for a lieutenant warden for 18 years on the shore of Moosehead Lake. A letter from IFW Commissioner Roland Martin confirms that fact.

Maine taxpayers should ask how many other wardens receive free or partial rent and utilities.

When asked about department expenses, Santaguida stated in a letter that “IFW normally pays for utilities at wardens’ residences. It is likely that copies of heat and electric bills do exist at our financial service center.”

I believe it may be beneficial for a third party to audit the IFW budget and review how officials there are spending state dollars. This is a perfect example of government waste that Taxpayer Bill of Rights supporters want to end.

Ben Dube, Greene