April 2, 2013 — Gov. Paul LePage threatened retaliation against Maine's Passamaquoddy Tribe if it continues to issue elver-fishing licenses beyond the authorized state limit, a tribal council spokesman said Monday.
Newell Lewey of Pembroke said he and other tribal members were part of a one-minute conference call with LePage on Monday morning in which the governor asked them if the tribe would follow state law regarding the valuable elver fishery.
When they responded that the tribe, not the state, has authority over licensing, catch limits and enforcement for Passamaquoddies, LePage threatened reprisals in a "loud, enraged and demanding tone," said Lewey.
LePage said he would immediately withdraw all support for the tribe and suspend consulting with it on any matter; dismantle the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which promised to uncover the fate of Indian children taken from their families and placed with white families or in foster homes; and fight any proposal for a casino in Washington County, Lewey said.
"He also threatened to shut down the entire fishery," Lewey said.
Repeated calls to the governor's press secretary were not returned Monday night.
Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald