I am writing to add my voice to the growing chorus of voters supporting Cynthia Dill. I was especially pleased to see the Portland Press Herald endorse her candidacy for the Special Election on Tuesday May 10th.

It is refreshing that people are seeing through the incredible distractions that are bombarding our mailboxes. What’s more concerning, is that most of these unwarranted attacks are coming from people who live far away from the communities of Cape, South Portland, and Scarborough. Moreover, they accuse Rep. Dill of being a partisan, yet they rank among the most extreme members of Tea Party in this State.

The fact is, Cynthia isn’t a partisan! She’s just not afraid to tell the truth! People would tell Harry Truman, “Give ‘em Hell Harry,” to which he would respond, “I don’t give them Hell, I tell them the truth and they think it’s Hell.” Well, the truth that gives Gov. LePage Hell is that Cynthia is an incredible advocate. She represents the interest of her constituents, she takes on tough battles, and she’s been highly successful. She’s proven that she can be a powerful voice for our communities. Cynthia and I may not have always agreed on every issue, but I got a chance to see how she is able to build consensus to get things done.

Cynthia has earned my wholehearted support. I hope my friends and neighbors will join me in voting for Cynthia Dill on Tuesday.

Sean Flaherty
Scarborough

BREAKING NEWS:

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Maine Governor Paul LePage (R-Maine) stunned Mainers on Thursday by announcing the official cancellation of Labor Day statewide.  All Mainers, will be expected to turn up to their jobs on the first Monday in September for the first time since 1878.  Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, something that Paul LePage says has been celebrated long enough.

“It’s a small change that we hope will level the playing field for business,” Dan Demeritt, spokesman for the Governor noted, “There isn’t a ‘Corporation Day,’ there wont be a Labor Day, simple as that.”  LePage noted that all School Districts now must start classes prior to September 1st to ensure Maine’s teachers and educators aren’t “getting an easy ride.”

According to Demeritt, the Governor decided to keep Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday despite a anonymous fax he received calling it a holiday for “less than one tenth of one percent of the State.”   Democrats, however, speculated that LePage opted to keep the January holiday honoring one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders after his nationally publicized spat with the NAACP.

“The people of Marden’s will be at work on Labor Day, and now thousands of Maine workers will join them in a show of solidarity by working their own jobs too,” Demeritt said.  “This Governor will not rest until all Mainers are working retail for low wages and no benefits just like his employees at Marden’s.  That is one promise Paul will keep”

###

Dear Friends, Family, Supporters, and Neighbors,

I am mostly humbled but I am also incredibly grateful to the thousands of people of Scarborough for being able to weigh the good that I have done in a public way with a regrettable choice I had made in my personal life .  When I decided to continue with the campaign, I had hoped to make amends with my neighbors and try to show them that they had not made a mistake when they asked me to Represent them two years ago.  I wanted to accept full responsibility for my actions, and that involved going to nearly every doorstep in the district.   I wanted to be able to ask for a second chance and show my commitment to my home town.   In the end, we came up a few hundred votes shy, but I am not hanging my head at all.

With lower turn out, incredible Republican excitement, we faced a tough uphill climb in this election.   I’m one of just a couple of Democrats to have ever hold this House District.  So I am actually pleased that with all of the hurdles in the campaign, including an extremely late start, we nearly completed an incredible comeback.  Not to say that the late start affected the campaign, in four short weeks I knocked on thousands of doors – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, it didn’t matter – volunteers handed out thousands of pieces of literature, and friends hand signed thousands of post cards.  In many ways, finishing this election so strongly reminds me of many of my big swim races.  If I worked as hard as I could, put my heart into a race, and put it all on the line, then the final outcome is just one part of process.  I feel the same way about this race.

It goes without saying, that I could not have knocked on even one door, or talked to even one voter had it not been for the unwavering support of my friends and family.  Especially, and I mean especially, my parents, who stood by my side during the darkest moments.  If ever a person questions my “family values” again, all I will have to do, is introduce them to Heidi and Peter Flaherty.

I had so many great supporters who had my back through this entire process.  They are the folks who helped to encourage me to stay in this and take everything on the chin, but hold my head high through it all.  They are the people who signed post cards to their friends, pounded in a yard sign that may not have seemed too popular, or told their friends at a soccer game that they were going to still vote for me.  Every vote I received in this election was earned by an incredible group of people who stood behind me when I thought no one would.

I cannot thank each of you enough.  I have made so many new friends through this entire process, and I have absolutely no regrets about my service, any of my votes, or my decision to fight on through this campaign.

My own next moves are to start the process of continuing my own education, likely by going to law school, but also to continue to serve on local Board of Directors, the Scarborough Energy Committee, and return to youth swim coaching with Coastal Maine Aquatics.  I still feel so strongly that Maine must take full advantage of the opportunities we have in a Green Economy, and I’ve already begun continuing my work in that field.

Thank you again for this incredible opportunity!

Yours truly,

Sean

What are people in Scarborough saying about State Rep. Sean Flaherty?

“Rep. Flaherty may not realize the lives he’s impacted positively by giving of his time and attention, but I sure do.”
– Carol Rico

“I am impressed by his deep understanding of a host of issues and his balanced approach that considers all members of the community, business included.”
– Ian Engelmen

“As a Republican, I may not always agree with Flaherty’s stand on an issue, but I know he’s well read on the issue and he is led by his conscience.  We can disagree respectfully because he’s fair and open minded.”
– Niko Kazakos

“How unique is it to have such a young person with so much energy, talent and enthusiasm willing to do this work? It’s rare indeed. Let’s send Sean back to Augusta.”
– Paula Atkinson

“Sean is a young legislator with a very bright future.  As I stated, he has embarked on a career of public service.  He represents the type of individual we need representing us in Augusta.”
- Roger Beeley

“Rep. Flaherty proven, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he is a true representative of the people.”
– Robert Baizley

“Scarborough is lucky to have one of Maine’s best legislators. We should elect Rep. Flaherty to another term.”
- Robert David Johnson

“Why mess with success?!  Sean has been a winner in Augusta for Scarborough.”
- Karen D’Andrea, Scarborough Town Council

“He was always a mature, focused, energetic young man who was keen on setting high goals for himself, and then working hard to achieve them.”
– Dan Warren,  Fmr. State Legislator & Fmr. Scarborough Town Council

“He’s also found time to buy and fix up his first house, coached a swim team to statewide recognition and found a way to make a living as a young person in Maine.   So I won’t only be casting a vote for my grandson, I’ll be casting a vote for a dedicated legislator.”
– Walter Hansen, Fmr. Scarborough School Board

“Sean has earned my trust and respect during the years. His eagerness to learn and take accountability for his actions have reinforced my trust and respect for Sean.”
– Jim Gravel

“I have been amazed at how well Sean researches his topics. He does not address an issue without having all the facts.”
– Jacquelyn Perry, Scarborough School Board

On Tuesday, November 2nd, three questions will be presented to Maine voters for their approval or rejection.  Below you will find an impartial summary of these ballot questions, including the meaning of a YES or a NO vote on each item.

I hope it will help you to make a decision on each.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions.

Sincerely,

Sean Flaherty

PS:  It has been an honor to serve our community of Scarborough in the Maine House of Representatives!  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your issues and concerns.  I hope as you consider these ballot questions, you will also take time to examine my record of achievements, my ideas moving forward, and my commitment to the people of Scarborough when choosing who you send to Augusta to be your voice.  I would be humbled by your support and grateful for your vote.

November 2010 Ballot Questions

Question 1:  Citizen Initiative

Ballot Question: Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines at a single site in Oxford County, subject to local approval, with part of the profits going to specific state, local and tribal programs?

Question 1 is a citizen initiative that would authorize the Gambling Control Board to license a casino at a single site in Oxford County for the operation of table games and slot machines. The casino could be licensed to operate up to 1,500 slot machines and would be the only place in the state where table games are allowed.

To be eligible for a casino license, the operator must own a facility at which harness racing was conducted in the 2009 racing year.  The only facility that meets this requirement is the Oxford County Fairgrounds, which conducted harness racing in 2009 under a state license.  The casino also must meet other minimum requirements including lot size, distance from the fairgrounds and proximity to police, hospitals and the interstate.

The casino would also have to be approved by the municipality where it is to be located.  The local vote must be held on or before December 31, 2011.  Renewal of a casino license would also require local approval.

After January 1, 2011, no other casino or slot machine facility could be licensed unless it is first approved by voters in a statewide referendum, as well as by the municipal officers or voters of the municipality where it is to be located.

The casino operator would be required to turn over 46% of the net revenue from slot machines and 16% of the net revenue from table games to the Gambling Control Board for distribution to a variety of state and local programs in specified amounts.  25% of the net revenue from slot machines and 10% of the net revenue from table games would be used to supplement (but not supplant) funding for essential programs and services in public schools.  The remainder of the net slot machine revenue would be distributed in amounts, ranging from 1% to 4%, to the University of Maine System and Maine Community College System scholarship programs, the tribal governments of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Agricultural Fair Support Fund, the Sire Stakes Fund, a fund to supplement harness racing purses, and dairy farm stabilization programs.  Net revenue from both slot machines and from table games would also be directed to the host municipality (2%), the host county (1%), and to support administrative costs of the Gambling Control Board (3%), which include counseling services for gambling addiction.

A YES vote is to enact the initiated legislation.
A NO vote opposes the initiated legislation.

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Question 2:  Bond Issue

Ballot Question:  Do you favor a $5,000,000 bond issue to be awarded on a competitive basis to increase access to dental care in Maine, $3,500,000 to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine to be matched by $3,500,000 in other funds, and $1,500,000 to be used to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics?

Question 2 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to raise funds to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic and to create or upgrade community-based health and dental clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics.  The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State.  The bonds may not be issued before July 1, 2011.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds are to be awarded on a competitive basis and would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services as follows:

$3,500,000 must be expended for a community-based teaching clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine and must be matched with $3,500,000 in other funds.

$1,500,000 must be expended to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics.

A YES vote approves the authorization of the $5,000,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.

—–
Question 3:   Bond Issue

Ballot Question: Do you favor a $9,750,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation and working waterfront preservation and to preserve state parks to be matched by $9,250,000 in federal and other funds?

Question 3 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,750,000 to raise funds to invest in:  the acquisition of land and interest in land for conservation, water access, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat, farmland preservation and working waterfront preservation.  The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
Proceeds of the sale of the bonds would be expended as follows:

$9,250,000 would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Land for Maine’s Future Board, as follows:

$6,500,000 must be spent for the acquisition of land for conservation, water access, and wildlife and fish    habitat, outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, and farmland preservation.  The bond funds must     be matched with at least $6,500,000 in public and private contributions.

$1,750,000 must be made available to protect working waterfront properties that support     commercial     fisheries businesses in accordance with the Maine Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program.  Grants     for working waterfront projects would have to be matched, dollar for dollar, by the local governments or     organizations receiving the grants and would be made subject to a condition that the property may not     be used, altered or developed in a manner that precludes its use by commercial fisheries businesses.

$1,000,000 must be made available to preserve working farmland.  Grants for the preservation of farmlands     would be made when matching funds are available from cooperating entities.

With the exception of working waterfront projects and farmland preservation projects, hunting, fishing, trapping and public access may not be prohibited on lands acquired with these bond proceeds, unless required by applicable federal, state or local laws.

$500,000 would be expended by the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to preserve state parks and properties managed by the Department of Conservation.

A YES vote approves the authorization of the $9,750,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.
A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.

October 22nd Scarborough Leader Letters To The Editor

Candidate is grandson and good legislator
To the editor:
I’ve lived in Scarborough for nearly 30 years and been a Maine voter for more than 60 years, but I have yet to see the type of negative campaigning in our state we’re seeing now.
It’s even trickled down to legislative races.  I’m admittedly partial because one of the candidates is my grandson, Sean Flaherty, but I’m also one who can set the record straight.
I saw a campaign flyer Sean’s opponent is passing out that distorts his voting record. I don’t mind when candidates disagree, but when one side isn’t being straight forward, I feel the need to speak up.
Sean is the kind of legislator who checks in. What do I mean by that? I mean that before he takes on an issue or before he casts a vote, he checks in with those who are impacted. He calls people in the business or industry to hear their opinions. He checks in with teachers and even me, a former high school principal, when it comes to education. I’ve seen him doing his homework.
Meanwhile, he’s also found time to buy and fix up his first house, coached a swim team to statewide recognition and found a way to make a living as a young person in Maine.
My grandson and I even disagree now and again, but at least I know he’s researched the facts and balanced the issues. So I won’t only be casting a vote for my grandson, I’ll be casting a vote for a dedicated legislator.
Walter Hansen
Scarborough
Candidate stands out among others
To the editor:
During the past two years, Sean Flaherty has emerged as one of the most talented members of the Statehouse and has made his mark on a remarkably wide variety of issues.
He’s distinguished himself for accessibility to his constituents – both through traditional means and through social-networking sites such as twitter and Facebook. His work even earned national recognition, via a quote in the New York Times.
His opponent all but disqualified herself in a recent newspaper article where she ignored the lessons of American history and advocated a “separate but equal” approach regarding the institution of civil marriage.
Scarborough is lucky to have one of Maine’s best legislators. We should elect Rep. Flaherty to another term.
Robert David Johnson                           Scarborough
Candidate success should be extended
To the editor:
I am writing in support of our incumbent Rep. Sean Flaherty. Sean has proven himself a hard worker for the concerns of those in this district.
As well as being on the Utilities and Energy Commission creating jobs through Maine’s emerging green economy, he has also been an active member of our local community, serving on the boards of Project G.R.A.C.E., Maine Swimming and the New Leader’s Council.
Our family met Sean Flaherty several years ago when our son was a member of Coastal Maine Aquatics. We followed Sean’s swimming success at George Washington University; when Sean was home on college breaks he would coach the kids on the latest swim techniques from college. We were so happy to see him come home to Scarborough (not move away to another state to find a job) to coach the high school swim team into a fabulous second-place standing last year.
Sean has a keen interest in supporting renewable energy and is working with others in Augusta to establish policies that will make Maine a leader in domestic energy production. How unique is it to have such a young person with so much energy, talent and enthusiasm willing to do this work? It’s rare indeed. Let’s send Sean back to Augusta. I encourage all to go to the polls and re-elect Rep. Flaherty on Nov. 2.
Paula Atkinson
Scarborough
Flaherty remains committed to residents
To the editor:

I am writing to encourage Scarborough voters in District 127 to return Sean Flaherty to the Legislature.
Sean has demonstrated that he listens well and will always advocate for what is in the best interest of our town.
I have known Sean since he was born. He has been interested in “fighting for the right” since fourth grade. He would knock on my door and say “Miss Perry, I need to talk to you about some school board business.” He continued to advocate for students with me when I was on the School Board. I have been amazed at how well Sean researches his topics. He does not address an issue without having all the facts.
We know he listens well, is very bright and articulate and will not dodge an issue. He will tell you why he supports or is against an issue. We do not always agree.
I also know Sean is very aware of the very serious mistake he made this summer. He came to see me that next week. His first concern was the shame he had brought to his family and then to Scarborough voters. We discussed then and several other times, whether or not he should continue his pursuit for re-election – this was not an easy decision for Sean.
He has proven his worth as our legislator. Let us not allow a very serious lapse in judgement prevent him from returning to Augusta. We need Sean Flaherty “fighting for our rights.”

Jacquelyn A. Perry
Scarborough
Incumbents work hard for communities, Maine
To the editor:
Some people who run for office say they will work hard on their constituents’ behalf, others really do it.
Sen. Phil Bartlett and Rep. Sean Flaherty are two people who really do what they say they will do. I called upon both of them a year or more ago to help with a nonprofit organization that needed their support. Without hesitation, both of them were there to listen, offer suggestions and help guide the situation to a positive outcome. Because of their willingness to give their time and energy, hundreds of young children and senior citizens will be able to receive necessary speech and hearing treatment.
Sen. Bartlett and Rep. Flaherty may not realize the lives they’ve impacted positively by giving of their time and attention, but I sure do. I support them both wholeheartedly in their bids for re-election. We need people in office who will really do what they say they’ll do – work hard for the people of Scarborough and all of Maine.

Carol Rico
Scarborough

State Representative Flaherty is one of only a handful of Democrats to receive the prestigious Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine PAC endorsement

Augusta, Maine— The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine’s PAC has endorsed Representative Sean Flaherty in his bid for re-election to the Maine House of Representatives.  Flaherty is one of only a handful of Democrats to receive SAM’s endorsement.

The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine is a non-profit membership organization with 15,000 members and is the largest conservation organization in the state.  SAM advocates for hunters and other outdoor sports enthusiasts before the Legislature.

Rep. Flaherty said she was very pleased to receive this prestigious endorsement. “Having grown up in Maine, where hunting, fishing and boating are an integral part of our heritage, I am deeply committed to preserving the natural resources of our State and to ensuring access for sports men and women who are a mainstay of our economy,” Flaherty stated.

“The issues facing the Legislature are difficult ones that can greatly impact sports enthusiasts,” Flaherty said. “I will keep a careful watch on bills pertaining to preservation, conservation, and sportsman.  For example, just this year, the Legislature worked on milfoil prevention, firearms regulation, fish hatcheries, bond issues, and access to stocked waterways.”

Flaherty added, “I will continue to work to preserve public access to state owned lands and undeveloped areas of state parks.  I support measures to simplify Maine’s hunting laws and regulations to make them more uniform and easier to understand and to enforce.  And I will keeping fighting for Scarborough’s sportsman.”

For further information, call 450-4188, or the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine at 622-5503.

From the October 9th Edition of The Forecaster

SCARBOROUGH — The election in House District 127 is between Democratic incumbent Rep. Sean Flaherty and Republican candidate Amy Volk.

The district covers coastal Scarborough, including Scarborough Marsh, Pine and Black points, to the borders with Saco and Cape Elizabeth.

Flaherty, 25, is running for a second term after beating Republican John McDonough in 2008. He serves on the House Utilities and Energy Committee.

Flaherty is a life-long resident of Scarborough and graduated from Scarborough schools, going on to George Washington University on a swimming scholarship. He has been a swimming coach for Scarborough and for Maine Swimming, is a member of the board of Project GRACE and the New Leader’s Council.

Flaherty said in his first term the Legislature approved, with bipartisan support, two balanced budgets, neither of which raised taxes. He said he is confident the state will be able to balance the budget again by streamlining the cost of government and reducing wasteful spending.

He added that priorities include ensuring continuation of services such as education, road and bridge maintenance and property tax rebates.

“I fought to make sure Scarborough got its fair share of state resources for our schools,” Flaherty said. “I worked to ensure that the property tax rebates would be fully funded again.”

He said the school funding formula should be thrown out and replaced.

Flaherty said he would support blending Social Security benefits into the state pension system, which he said would save the state millions of dollars. He emphasized that there is no silver bullet to solve the pension crisis, but that he would work for a bipartisan solution.

Flaherty said he would support marriage equality if a bill comes up again, citing the 2009 vote in which the majority of Scarborough voters voted no on Question 1. He said he believes all people must be treated equally under the law and that the state should not be in the business of defining love.

Flaherty said he would support creating “a diverse and sound energy policy for Maine,” including incentives for homeowners and businesses to become energy efficient while promoting domestic energy production like on- and off-shore wind, tidal and bio-mass.

“I think I best represent the desire of people in the district to move Maine forward,” Flaherty said.

As Message for Scarborough Residents From Efficiency Maine:

We wanted to share with you some news. Last night Michael Stoddard, our executive director, presented a check to the Town of Scarborough’s Fire Department in the amount of $42,750 for the replacement and installation of three new and innovative heating boilers. This award will help the community save taxpayer money, reduce carbon emissions and help to improve workplace comfort and productivity. EM has made a number of awards in the past few months in the commercial and industrial arenas across the state that are saving businesses money by reducing their energy dependence on heating oil.

On the residential side, Efficiency Maine’s Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) is in full swing. We’re over 300 Whole House retrofits to date across the state, up to an average of 36 energy efficiency retrofits per week, or 50 times the rate of 2008-9 before the HESP program was in place.

In Scarborough alone there have been 10 homes that have been completed or are in progress. We are seeing an average heating energy savings of 33% per home across the program, with some homeowners experiencing savings of 40-50% or more. Contractors are hiring new staff and buying new trucks and equipment. Homeowners are beginning to save hundreds and thousands of dollars per year in heating energy costs. HESP is working to build new businesses, reduce our energy burden and make a meaningful and measurable contribution to our economic recovery through market transformation.

As you may already know, Efficiency Maine won a $30 million grant earlier this year from the US Department of Energy to establish a revolving loan fund to provide low interest loans to homeowners across the state to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. This wouldn’t have been possible if it were not for the leadership of the Maine State Legislature to pass LD 1717, An Act To Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses. We’re happy to inform you that the Scarborough Town Council voted to pass their own PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Ordinance (as required for program participation by LD 1717) with an unanimous vote last night. This marks the 13th municipality that’s adopted a PACE Ordinance to date, and we are anticipating another dozen or more communities to adopt their own PACE Ordinances per month through the end of the year. EM staff has aggressively reached out to municipalities to raise awareness about the emergence of the PACE program, including having already met individually or in small groups with officials from more than 75 communities. The program is on track to launch by the end of November. More information is available online at www.efficiencymaine.com/PACE.

October 8th Scarborough Leader Letters to the Editor

Candidate was right to apologize to constituents
To the editor:
It is refreshing to learn that one of our public servants has not only apologized for his actions but has also accepted responsibility for his actions.
This same public servant has even asked for forgiveness. In the same letter he acknowledges that he has learned from his mistake and he hopes to continue serving the public.
His willingness to accept responsibility is refreshing.
Sean Flaherty, you have our vote!

Max and Linda Freeman
Scarborough

Flaherty’s leadership earned him ‘respect’
To the editor:
I have had the privilege of knowing Sean Flaherty and his family for more than 10 years. Sean was raised in Scarborough with strong family values. His inclusive leadership as our representative reflects his passionate commitment for Scarborough and all of its residents.  Sean has earned my trust and respect during the years. His eagerness to learn and take accountability for his actions have reinforced my trust and respect for Sean.
I hope you will join me in supporting Sean’s re-election so he can continue fighting for Scarborough while helping to ensure responsible budgeting, support for small business and sustainable energy for Maine’s future.
Jim Gravel
Scarborough