Editor:

 There has been much healthy discussion in our town lately about the issue of Scarborough’s mascot, how it got decided on, and whether it ought to be changed. I have even heard from people about the issue as I go door to door campaigning. While I am a candidate for the State Legislature, a governmental body with no say over the pending mascot issue, I am, more importantly, a proud native of Scarborough and want to express my feelings on the subject as such.

 As a graduate of Scarborough High School myself, I welcome this discussion. I am fortunate to have been a “Redskin” and a “Red Storm” athlete in my four years at Scarborough High School. I don’t think debate ever hurts anything and I hope everyone gets their voice heard

 I agree with Superintendent of Schools David Doyle when he says there are more pressing issues for us to be concerned about nowadays than the mascot issue - education quality, the condition of Wentworth School, “portable classrooms” at the Middle School, accountability of students and teachers, and the important principles of Sports Done Right are but a few.

 I respectfully disagree with the superintendent, however, when he says he is not certain about the importance of the issue because, paraphrasing here, it is just a symbol. Symbols are important to our country, to our state, and to us individually.

 What should the Scarborough mascot be? What headline do we want to read when our teams win more Championships?  What symbol or name or personage should lead our student athletes into sports competition? What should they be emulating or thinking about late in a game, tired with the score tied, trying to do their best for our town?

 I am proud to have been a swimmer at SHS for four years. Some of my favorite memories are trying to do my best for my school and my teammates.  I am also proud that my name is on the wall above swimming pools around the state for establishing swimming records.

 But I am more proud of what follows my name on those record boards:  “Scarborough High School.”

 I hope we can have a good, healthy, open debate in the next few months on this issue. As our athletes compete more and more against the bigger Class A teams, we want them to be at their best as they add much pride to our community, and if a mascot can help spur them on, then it’s worth discussing. 

 I’ve also opened my Web site –  www.seanflaherty.org – as a forum for people to express their thoughts and feelings and encourage people to visit to get their voice heard.

Sean Flaherty

Scarborough