Flaherty is dedicated to Scarborough

Editor:

   I am writing to support Sean Flaherty for Maine House Representative from Scarborough. I have direct experience working with Sean in the “political arena” – we served the class of 2003 as president and secretary at Scarborough High School. Sean’s busy schedule as a phenomenal athlete, great student and dedicated member of many student organizations never got in the way of his commitment to our class. He was always there for last minute meetings and spent many late nights helping me and the other officers plan and execute class events. He was always careful to consider how our responsibility as class officers to be representatives for each classmate should guide our actions and decisions.

   Sean carried out his commitment as class secretary as more than a title and an obligation to be somewhere; instead, he took it as an opportunity to help transform our class from students who went to football games and prom together into a cohesive and spirited community. Such a community forms when its leadership encourages the participation of its members – Sean understood this idea as a high school student. I am confident that his cognition of the transforming power of leadership has only sharpened with time.

    As a student of leadership studies, I have learned to value the depth of leadership beyond authority and position. James MacGregor Burns, esteemed scholar of leadership in American politics, wrote, “The genius of leadership lies in the manner in which leaders care about, visualize, and act on their own and their followers’ values and motivations.” Sean Flaherty is this kind of leader — attentive, engaged, committed – and I urge you to vote for him on Nov. 4.

Rebecca Condon

Scarborough

Phil Csoros is leader, team player    

Editor:

   We would like to voice our support for Phil Csoros for the Maine state senate and wish to tell everyone why he will be a great senator for the residents of Scarborough.

Phil is no stranger to public service, having been an Air Force officer and pilot for nine years. He has demonstrated his willingness to serve others while working as a leader and a team player. He is just what we need to break the logjam in Augusta and start the ball rolling towards meaningful government reform.

Phil has a background in engineering and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance. He bases his decisions on the facts and figures, not political correctness or party politics. We know that Phil Csoros will make the difficult, yet sound decisions, that will favor a return to fiscal responsibility.

Please vote for Phillip A. Csoros for the Maine State Senate on Nov. 4.

Tim and Cheryl Curlew

Scarborough

Join me in supporting Pendleton

Editor:

    I am writing this letter in support of re-electing Rep. Peggy Pendleton to House District 128 in Scarborough. Peggy is keenly interested and aware of the issues  affecting all of Scarborough citizens, having lived here with her family for over 30 years. She approaches her job as your Representative with integrity, hard work and common sense. Peggy has  successfully worked to improve the lives of children, seniors and working families. She was the primary sponsor of “Jake’s Law,” a law intended to toughen sentences of persons convicted of assaulting young children.

    Peggy also helped lead the fight to reduce prescription drug prices for low-income seniors. Peggy worked tirelessly to create the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability which oversees smart government spending and reduces or eliminates wasteful programs.   

   Peggy is a proven leader who has the experience and independence to get the job done. Please join me in re-electing Peggy Pendleton as your Representative in House District 128 on Nov. 4.

Neil Jamieson

Scarborough 

Pendleton makes time for district constituents

Editor:

  I’d just like to say that I am a long-time supporter of Peggy Pendleton. She has been an excellent representative in my district. Always concerned about her constituents and willing to do whatever she can to make our concerns a priority.

  She certainly deserves to be re-elected.

Kendall Morse

Scarborough 

McDonough is the right choice, cares about seniors

Editor:

 After reading Gloria Walker’s letter in the Oct. 17 edition of the Scarborough Leader, I feel compelled to respond.  

   I would refer Ms. Walker to the Aug. 1, 2008, issue of the Scarborough Leader.  There on page 12 is an article boldly titled “Apply for 2007 Property Tax and Rent Relief Program” submitted by Rep. John McDonough. Out of great concern for the citizens of Scarborough, Rep. McDonough ensured early on that folks were made aware of this very valuable program also known as “Circuit Breaker.”  In the article, he encouraged all Maine homeowners and renters to take advantage of this under-utilized program.  This state’s primary tax assistance program enables eligible Mainers to get refunds of up to $2,000 based on certain guidelines which he clearly outlined.  Rep. McDonough stated that Maine Revenue Services generally sends applications in August to anyone who filed in the previous year.  The article further states that applications are available at town offices, libraries, post offices, and Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Program offices and that MRS offered the convenience of filing applications online.  (The correct address for this and many other programs is www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief). Residents can also obtain applications by calling him at 883-7023 or in Augusta at 287-1440.  Obviously, many residents saw this announcement as Rep. McDonough received numerous calls for applications allowing residents ample time to apply in anticipation of the Oct. 15 tax payment. 

   Rep. McDonough has consistently expressed his concern for all citizens of Scarborough.  He regularly provides materials to the town office as well as submits to the Scarborough Leader timely news releases on important issues.  Rep. McDonough has personally delivered to town hall applications for the Circuit Breaker program; a fact sheet to alert area residents on Medicare of a rule clarification that can save them more than $1,000 per year for Part B premiums; an announcement that the secretary of state’s office would again take orders for buttons to honor our veterans on Election Day; and a useful brochure offering helpful tips as well as important contact numbers.  In addition, Rep. McDonough has encouraged residents to seek assistance from the fuel assistance program and has held monthly meetings at town hall to personally meet with residents and discuss issues of importance to them.    

   John McDonough is a retired manager of New England Telephone Company, a small business owner and a self-employed lobsterman who has a great deal of real life experience.  A “senior citizen” himself, John is well aware of and can truly relate to all the challenges facing all Scarborough residents.   

Helene C. Plourde

Scarborough

A vote for D’Andrea and Crockett means change

Editor:

  As a current town councilor I would like to see change on the council so that all councilors start from a level playing field when discussing issues before us. Healthy debate is what the public needs to hear so that they know we are asking questions on their behalf that they would like to have answered. I feel that Karen D’Andrea and Leroy Crockett will represent the citizens of Scarborough and have no alliances that tend to sway their vote in one direction or another. Councilors need to do their own homework about issues and ask the questions of the manager and the staff that provides them with information to make the informed decisions not just following the leader of the majority’s opinion. Karen and Leroy can do this — so I urge the citizens to vote for them in the coming election.

Judy Roy

Scarborough Town Councilor

Vote a familiar face for town council – Shawn Babine

Editor:

    As an independent citizen and new Scarborough voter, I’ve come to realize that sometimes it is very difficult to assess what options I should support, especially since the candidates at all levels tend to stick to the same generalities. The town council has difficult choices and decisions ahead in the next few years. I have been very impressed with the way Shawn Babine tackles issues head on. He shapes his views to a problem after he listens, and his solutions get to the core of the issue. He consistently does his research before taking a stand and continues to remain open to new information and other’s viewpoints. He challenges those around him to be the best they can be, personally and professionally. He is honest, cares deeply for our community and is well prepared for leading our town. For these reasons and many more, I hope you’ll join me on Nov. 4 and vote Shawn Babine for town council.

Jillian Schlueter

Scarborough

Charlie Summers knows what Maine is up against

Editor:

    I am writing today to urge my fellow Scarborough residents to vote for Charlie Summers on Nov. 4.  This world is a dangerous place. I do believe we are safer today than we were on 9/11 but we are not safe enough. On Sept. 11, 2001 Islamic extremists started a war with America and they have not completed it. I am not satisfied that we are safe just because I can no longer take my Vitamin Water on a plane. Charlie Summers has been to war so he knows first hand the evil we are up against. Changing Washington is not what we need.  We need people who will improve Washington to better protect us and our children. Charlie Summers fought for us in Iraq and now it is time to send him to Washington to fight for us again.

Derek Volk

Scarborough