           As you well know, the public outrage over the proposal to terminate Maine athletes' participation in the New England Track and Field meets has been overwhelming. Doubtless, you have heard many requests to carefully consider the decision and rule in favor of Maine's student athletes, and you will hear more. Nevertheless, I ask that you will listen to what I have to say, and will realize what a grave mistake the MPA would make by acknowledging such a proposal.
           With the economy in a recession and instability in the world, everyone is trying to reduce spending and cut out unnecessary expenses. Thus, it stand to reason that the MPA would also try to cut its spending, and I agree that change should happen. Yet there is a fine line between cutting out the extras and making decisions that will prove detrimental to the continuing success of Maine's elite athletes. Refusing to allow athletes to travel to New England's falls in the latter category. The expense is minimal (the entrance fee is 15 dollars, and few schools cover travel expenses), but the meets mean a great deal to those who attend. Not only do athletes have a chance to compete at a higher level than any other, but they also get the chance to meet with college scouts and coaches who can provide them with opportunities after high school, both athletically and academically. Using an example from economics, a cost-benefit analysis shows the pros far outweigh the cons. Can the MPA, whose mission includes looking out for the interests of the students it represents, justify revoking such an opportunity from so many athletes because of such a minimal fee?
          As an athlete who has competed in New England's and hopes to do so in the future, I understand the full importance of the meet. Seeing the impact that it has had on me and others with whom I have talked, I would gladly pay the entrance fee and my travel expenses to go. An argument that Mr. Durost has made is that not all athletes will be able to pay the fees, and therefore no athletes should be allowed to go. I disagree with the entire philosophy that this statement implies, and hope that you can see its fallacy as well. First of all, no athlete will have difficulty paying the fee. Having spent several years immersed in the culture of Maine Track, I know for a fact that no athlete in need will be left wanting. A multitude of opportunities exist to get the 15 dollars required to attend, from a collaborative bottle drive to donations from local businesses. However, let us assume for a moment that some underprivelaged athletes cannot raise the money. Mr. Durost says that opportunity, if not available to all, should be taken away from all. Logic does not agree. Take a parallel example from the world of education. If an elite college or private school that gives a superb education charges an admissions fee that not all people could pay, should the school be closed? Of course not. Do not take an opportunity away from many because of a few exceptions.
        Finally, Maine's opportunity to host a New England's meet can provide much-needed revenue for the state, far outweighing the cost of sending athletes. Hundreds of athletes and thousands of spectators flood into the state for the competitions, each paying an admissions fee and patronizing local business. Maine's local hosting of the Outdoor Track and Cross Country New England meets brought in significant revenue to local communities and the MPA, through the fees that are charged. Elimininating Maine from the process would cut out the opportunity for a sure-fire money making event that could greatly improve the well-being of the MPA and local business.
        I, as a representative of the athletes of Maine, implore you to give careful consideration to my position and realize the validity of the points I present. Eliminating the opportunity of our athletes to attend New Englands would have a multitude of negative implications, while having only minor benefit. Please, when voting on January 26th, remember the athletes whom you represent and in whose interest you act, and step back, considering what is best for the athletes, the MPA, and the state of Maine.