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