Issues that Sean Flaherty is Fighting for:
Over the last two years, I’ve had the privilege to represent our town in the Maine Legislature. Growing up in here, attending Scarborough schools, and working in our community have presented me with countless opportunities to better understand the challenges that we face. More importantly, it’s enabled me to bring people together – from all sides of an issue - to work towards common good.
My primary concern is jobs and the economy; but we must also strongly support education so we can prepare our graduates for the hi-tech jobs we are creating. Mainer’s want a government that works, responsible state spending, and Representatives that stand up for the middle class.
1. Economic Growth and Support for Small Business – In the legislature I championed direct economic development in Scarborough by helping to pass the Pine Tree Zone Business Tax Exemption for Cumberland County. For the first time, the State of Maine will be offering tax incentives to new and growing business in and around Scarborough. I will continue fighting to help small business succeed in Maine, because I understand the value they have to their employees and our community. Nearly 90% of all workers in Maine are employed by a small business. We need to do more to help entrepreneurs start new businesses and help current owners expand. Maine can do more by helping with start-up loans and offering smarter tax-incentive packages. Additionally, I am an active member of the Moderate and Small Business Caucus, a bipartisan collection of legislators who are committed to ensuring that small businesses are able to succeed in Maine. We have to do a better job and I’m going to continue to fight for Scarborough’s economic development.
2. Lowering Energy Costs – As a member of the Utilities and Energy Committee I’ve encouraged renewable power and efficiency upgrades for Scarborough businesses, homeowners, and our municipal buildings through various incentives, rebates, and grant opportunities. The answer to our high energy costs is to help initiate investment in renewable power which will, more importantly, result in the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs. As Pew Research put it, “Maine has done a great job of passing state policies that are really going to spur growth in this industry: the financial incentives, the renewable portfolio standard, and you’re part of a regional cap-and-trade program, it’s all good news for the future. I just hope that federal policymakers will take a look at the kind of results that Maine has had with these policies.” I’m proud to have been a part of that process and anxious to keep fighting for jobs. My experience in the “Green Economy” gives me a unique understanding of job creation and I’m going to keep fighting to expand those opportunities.
3. Support for Schools and Preparing Graduates – I am fortunate to have received a great education, both in Scarborough and when I went away to college. I worked hard in school, but it was amazing teachers and coaches who helped me to learn. I’ve fought hard for Scarborough’s fair share of State education funding and I will continue to reform education policies in Maine. For instance, we need to stop dragging our feet on school consolidation, because we can save millions of tax payers’ money. We need to make sure more dollars end up in the classroom, not just throw money at failing schools. More importantly, we need to support our University of Maine System and the Community Colleges so our graduates are ready to take the hi-tech jobs we are creating and attracting to Maine. When businesses look to relocate or expand, they need have a workforce to support them. Maine is growing in bio-technology and green industry, we’ve been doing well by preparing our graduates so far, but as those industries grow, we must ensure that we’ve prepared our workforce to take those careers.
4. Responsive and Effective Government - I understand the value of people’s time; utilizing all forms of technology, staying active in our community, and holding regular office hours ensures that I’m readily available on all issues and concerns. In Augusta, I am an active member of the Bipartisan House Moderate and Small Business Caucus. As an independent voice for Scarborough, I’m proud to have authored five pieces of legislation that passed with unanimous bipartisan support.
What Sean Flaherty Pledges To Do In Augusta
- Bring new energy to tackle the issues
- Be a voice for Scarborough by understanding the issues and staying in touch with voters
- Conduct regular town meetings on issues facing voters
- Be “color blind” to work with other lawmakers regardless of political party
- Reduce waste & costs by utilizing technology like the Internet and E-mail, taking steps to make government “paperless” by setting an example
- Understanding how bills impact certain people, and work closely with those who will be affected - especially folks in Scarborough
- Utilize E-mail to keep voters informed while saving the costs of mail and postage
- Join mailing lists of community organizations - for example, church groups, business groups, and senior clubs - and regularly attend meetings around town
2010 Endorsements
- Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine
- Maine Education Association
- Maine State Employees Association - SEIU
- Equality Maine