SCARBOROUGH, MAINE - Last week, first term Scarborough Rep. John McDonough told the local weekly paper, The Forecaster, that McDonough wouldn’t take a position on the pending Referendum facing Scarborough  voters on November 4th.

The Forecaster was the first to report McDonough’s non-position in their October 9th article, McDonough Faces House Challenge from Flaherty;

“While he said he’s not against casinos, McDonough will vote no on Question 2, which asks voters to approve a casino for Oxford County, because “it’s not the way to go,” especially in that remote area, he said.
But he said he won’t take a position on the proposed racino in Scarborough.“

“I will take a position,”  Flaherty said, “because I know it’s not the right plan for our community.  I’ve been going door to door and telling people straight, ‘I’m opposed to the racino and I will work hard in Augusta to defeat it there.’ ”

“That’s why I am running for the Maine State House, to be a leader on the issues important to our town,” Flaherty added.

Flaherty expanded on his comments in a Open Letter to Scarborough which appeared in the Scarborough Leader October 17th Edition:

Editor:

As I campaign door to door in our town, I hear many concerns ranging from energy costs to potholes.  But one issue continues to be brought up on porches and sidewalks across our town: a Racino in Scarborough.

Most people I speak with have no issue with Scarborough Downs.  Harness racing has been an important part of Maine’s history as an agricultural state and Scarborough Downs has been a fixture of our community.  But what is worrying people is the inclusion of video gambling in the form of slot machines here in our own town.  I share their concerns for a number of reasons.

One concern I have is the proximity to our schools; Wentworth, the Middle School, and the High School are all within blocks of Scarborough Downs.  With gambling comes consumption of alcohol which impairs drivers.  Our community uses facilities at our schools throughout the evenings for sports, clubs, and more.

Another concern I have is the type of economic growth we are supporting in town.  I am always pleased to see more businesses in town, but I am fearful when very few good paying jobs come with the development.   We need to be supporting growth that will be dependent on consumers, not gamblers.

If the referendum does pass, it still must be approved by both the Legislature and the Governor.  I will continue to oppose the plan in the Legislature to prevent slots from coming to our town. More importantly, I will be a leader on the issues important to our town and not take a back seat on the tough ones.

Sincerely,

Sean Flaherty
Candidate For Maine State House
District 127 - Scarborough

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