To the editor:
Recently, an ad appeared on the of Citizens Against Handgun Violence website and also on local television stations featuring former SAM Executive Director, George Smith with the headline, “George Smith, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Promote Background Checks.” This television ad also included SAM’s name in the caption. SAM had no part in the creation of the ad and the use of the SAM name was without our permission.
SAM has supported the voluntary application of background checks in the past for private sales, but given the highly charged political debate around gun regulation we think it is important the public understand SAM in no longer associated with Mr. Smith and his current political actions.
This ad has confused many of our members and the public, we wish Citizens Against Handgun Violence and George Smith would discontinue using the SAM name in any and all ad campaigns and appearances when advocating their political positions or testifying on legislation in Augusta.
David Trahan, executive
director
Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine
