Palmieri’s hard work will pay off 

To the editor:

I have been reading several letters sent on behalf of incumbents and their “accomplishments” and I must say I am really quite surprised. Unless I’ve been asleep for the past two years, I’m not sure we have much to discuss about “accomplishments.” It is this readers opinion that Maine has gone backward under the current leaders and it’s time for change.

I worked for a national company and dealt with many other national companies that during the past two to three years have left Maine. It has been too costly to do business and there has been little incentive to do business in the state for several years.  

When many of those companies left, they continued to run operations in other states. Along with their departure came more jobless people. That fact, and how that impacts the smaller business in the state should be the key focus in this campaign. 

In a time when unemployment is sky rocketing, more families are dependent on the state for assistance than ever before and people are losing their homes by the hundreds, how can we speak of “accomplishments?”  

Joe Palmieri understands this. This is a man who has worked endless hours to get a job (or jobs) done – a man who worked 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, every week and weekends. All the while, not missing his daughter’s basketball games, helping the community in fundraisers and keeping contact with his son overseas who is serving our nation.  He will work just as hard as senator for District 7. 

Having that work ethic and the knowledge of growing a small business in Maine, he knows first hand the roadblocks that face business. He is in the trenches with us and has experienced things that have hurt our economic growth. 

That’s a leader and that’s the type of voice we need in Augusta after Nov. 2.

Tom Caruso

Scarborough 

Candidate can lead Scarborough

To the editor:

I am writing in support of Brian Dell’Olio for election to the Maine House of Representatives District 128.  

Brian’s Scarborough roots run deep as he grew up in our town and graduated from Scarborough High School. Upon returning home from college, Brian ran for the Board of Education in 2007 and served as our chairman for the last two years.

Brian has done a great job leading our school district through very difficult times. Brian uses his leadership ability to build relationships and consensus on the board, in the school system and throughout our community. Through his efforts, Brian was able to minimize any marked impact the reduction in state funding has had on our school district. In fact, Brian was able to help persuade the Town Council to reinstate $200,000 from its initial proposed cuts last spring.

Brian has a true understanding of how education works on the local level and will work diligently in Augusta to ensure that Scarborough schools will continue to be strong and provide a quality education for our students.

As a small business owner, Brian understands the need for fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget.  Brian will bring a common sense approach to government that will focus on job growth and aggressive steps toward economic development. Brian will work to give Maine workers and businesses the support they need to create reliable, good paying jobs. Brian will work to continue Maine’s tradition of providing our children a quality education while also giving Mainers of all ages better tools to succeed in new and emerging industries.  

Through his experience on the Scarborough Board of Education, Brian has proven he has the courage to make difficult decisions and the ability to build consensus over a broad range of issues.  Please join me in voting for Brian Dell’Olio for House District 128 on Nov. 2.   

Neil Jamieson

Scarborough

Candidate stands out among the rest

To the editor:

In June we had the responsibility to vote in our 2010 primary to choose who we wanted to run against each other. On Nov. 2 Maine voters will have a chance to let not only their local voices be heard but their Democratic, Republican and Independent votes make a difference across our state.

I am a registered Republican yet my vote and support will go to a Democrat for House of Representatives Brian Dell’Olio. Brian stands out in district 128 as a candidate with knowledge of Scarborough and knows how to get the job done.

We need to vote for someone who will serve as our voice for our local community’s needs. 

My husband Darrell and I have known Brian since he was in high school where he was a member of Scarborough Access Cable TV and trained with us. Brain excelled at everything he was given from programming and hosting to producing Friday Forum. 

I found Brian to have an inner value and accountability most young men lacked. It showed in his work and continues to show today as a small business owner and chairman of the Scarborough School Board. 

I find Brian’s sensible values, great listening skills and his availability in this busy day and age an old-fashioned value that will never go out of date. 

Brian will continue to bring fresh ideas and  compassion for his constituents and their real everyday needs, including our local business owners, clam diggers, lobstermen, parents and constituents.

Vote Brian Dell’Olio for House of Representative in District 128 in Scarborough .

Betty Huff

Scarborough 

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

‘Native son’ is right for seat

To the editor:

Brian Dell’Olio is a proven leader and will serve District 128 in the Maine House of Representatives with distinction. 

I base my claim on facts that I have observed about this native son of Scarborough. As chairman of the Scarborough School Board, Dell’Olio met the challenges of budget cuts from state funding head on. He initiated and organized a press conference at the state Capitol with many other southern Maine communities at his side to bring attention to the Legislature that our school funding formula is flawed. He spoke eloquently and respectfully of the need to create a funding formula that did not place an excessive burden on towns in southern Maine. Mr. Dell’Olio went on to explain the unfair formula resulted in raising property taxes on those who could ill afford it. The most telling thing was that everyone who attended left what could have been a very confrontational press conference feeling Dell’Olio’s presentation was truthful and credible. 

This is the kind of representation Scarborough deserves in the Maine State Legislature and that is why I am asking you to join me in voting for Brian Dell’Olio for House of Representatives District 128. To learn more about Brian go to www.briandellolio.org.

Peggy Pendleton

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

Council candidate has strong ties to town

To the editor:

These are difficult and challenging times for our community. We need leaders who are ready and willing to make the tough decisions. That’s why I am encouraging citizens of Scarborough to vote for one such individual – Richard Sullivan for Town Council. 

Richard and his family live in Scarborough where he grew up as did his father and grandfather before him. I encourage you to stop and talk to him for a minute and you’ll realize the passion he has for Scarborough. 

He’s always willing to listen to and help people out. Richard has past experience and has a proven record of being hardworking, fair and financially responsible. 

Being an outdoorsman, he cares about environmental and energy conservation issues. I believe Richard is a candidate who is well-respected and knows Scarborough’s history. He also has a vision for its future and will do what’s best for our community. So I urge you to vote for Richard Sullivan for Town Council.

 

Carl E. T. Ahlquist II

Scarborough

Sister is also right candidate for the job

To the editor:

I want to urge the citizens of Scarborough to vote on Nov. 2 for Kerry Corthell for Town Council.

 Kerry is not a career politician, this being her first run for office, but she has a long and varied history of service to her community. In addition to possessing qualities that one hopes to find in any public official – she’s intelligent, ethical and hard working – Kerry has qualities that are just as desirable but are too often in short supply.

One is a degree of honesty and candor that is rare and a second is a commitment to finding just and fair solutions to whatever the controversy, problem or issue that take into account the legitimate interests of all concerned parties. 

Kerry will bring a wealth of knowledge to the council from her career in the financial services industry and she will use that knowledge and experience to help grow our small business community, preserve and sustain our natural resources and foster a strong, prosperous and resilient community that we all can be proud of now and in the future.  

How do I know this to be true? She is my oldest and dearest friend, and my sister. As my sister, she often drives me crazy but as a citizen of Scarborough, I know she will serve this community with integrity, fairness and hard work.

Kim Corthell

Scarborough

Don’t let them get away, vote Nov. 2

To the editor:

 

 Please re-elect Michael Wood and Judy Roy to Town Council. They both have been active in town procedures in Scarborough for 24 combined years. 

Their experience is a valuable asset for our town. Mike has 28 years with the FAA as an air traffic control supervisor and Judy has 28 years as a certified gerontological nurse. Both Mike and Judy are also volunteers in Scarborough.

They are not afraid to innovate and be different. They don’t follow the herd to mediocrity, they are persistent and work hard and never give up. They are both fact finders and communicate effectively. They are honest, dependable and responsible.

Mike and Judy are assets to Scarborough. Don’t let them get away.

 

Bud Hanson

Scarborough

Town Council needs ‘new blood’

To the editor:

Remember who voted to give away historic Depot Street at Pine Point Beach for free when abutting lots were selling for more than $600,000? They were Town Councilors Michael Wood, Shawn Babine, Ron Alquist, Judith Roy and Richard Sullivan.

I wish to remind Scarborough voters that last year voters “unseated” Sullivan because of his voting record.  Unfortunately he didn’t get the message as he asked for an appointment to the Planning Board.  

Sullivan is running again for Town Council to finish out Babine’s term. If elected he would have to resign from his obligations on the Planning Board.

Vote for Iver Carlsen to finish Babine’s term and Kerry Corthell for one of the three-year terms. These candidates will listen to residents’ concerns. They will vote in the best interests of those who elected them and not be swayed by the politics of your town. It’s time for new blood.

Arlene Hurd

Old Orchard Beach

Volk is more than just a politician

To the editor:

As we go to the polls this November I would like to encourage voters in Scarborough to elect a candidate who is tired of politics as usual.  

Amy Volk is not a politician. Like me, she is a mother who wants better for her children’s future. Prompted to run because she believes that in order for her children to enjoy Maine “the way life should be” in the future, someone needs to have the courage to step forward and change failing practices in Augusta.  

The status quo that has become acceptable will eventually sink our state. As a small-business owner and mother of four children educated in Scarborough schools, she understands the issues we have in our town and will fight to have our voices heard in state government.  

Amy has spent countless hours listening to Scarborough citizens to find out how she can better address our concerns. Amy is a woman of integrity and character beyond reproach. I hope that you will join me Nov. 2 and make a positive decision for change.   

Susan Clark

Scarborough

Sirocki understands what Maine families need

To the editor:

 

The lackluster job environment and high taxes continue to drive Mainers away to other states. Recently Forbes.com ranked Maine dead last (the worst state) in the union for business and careers. 

I have known Heather Sirocki for more than 20 years. Heather is a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives District 128, which includes western Scarborough. As a married, mother of three, she understands Maine needs to work more proactively to keep its youth. An affordable government and a strong, business-friendly environment would help. 

After my children graduated from college, I hoped they would stay in Maine. Unfortunately they both moved to other states where better job opportunities were more favorable. We are also losing our retirees. Heather and I work in a dental office where many of our Maine patients are now residents of Florida.

 So what should we do about this? Vote for candidates who can get things done with common sense solutions.

 Heather has advocated for more classroom time and lobbied the school board to offer long overdue technology classes. With two children in college and one in high school, she values a strong education program. This year she was asked by concerned teachers and parents to help stop the proposed bonding of the high school laptop program. It simply did not make sense to lay off dozens of teachers and at the same time borrow money to give each high school student a laptop. This saved the taxpayers of Scarborough at least $688,000.

 Heather can be counted on to do more than just listen to concerns. She is respected for her energy to deal with issues.

 I trust and respect Heather. I encourage you to learn more about her at www.sirockiformainehouse.com.

 

Ann Bell

Scarborough

Sirocki and LePage can get things done

To the editor:

Are you an elitist? Perhaps not intentionally so, but if you have consistently voted for the status quo in Augusta, you have been party to trapping thousands of Mainers in the welfare system. 

In Maine, we have a dependency crisis. One in three Mainers is now on some form of welfare funded by Maine and U.S. taxpayers. Statistics show this is not because of the poor economy but because of a concentrated effort by Augusta to increase dependency and welfare enrollment, especially during the last decade.

Trapping people in a life of dependence is bad for them and bad for Maine. If you are a parent or teacher, you instinctively know that encouraging accountability and responsibility is the path to maturity and fulfillment. Why do you expect less of your fellow citizens and buy into the lie that this is somehow compassionate? We cannot afford our welfare state either monetarily or morally.

I urge you to vote for Heather Sirocki and Paul LePage. This is a Maine problem that Maine people can solve with true compassion. Other candidates have jumped on this bandwagon now, but don’t be fooled. Sirocki and LePage are the only candidates in their races (House 128 and governor) who have long held beliefs, concrete plans and the commitment to fix this problem.

If we don’t elect Sirocki and LePage, this issue will be swept under the rug again as it has been so many times before. I ask you again – do you want to help all Mainers become better off? Sirocki and LePage are committed to transitioning many trapped Mainers from dependence to independence and ensuring that we become a better, stronger state for it.

Betsy Gleysteen

Scarborough

Elect Carlsen to Scarborough council

To the editor:

This letter is to support Iver Carlsen for Town Council.  We have known Carlsen for nearly 10 years and find him to be an outstanding citizen and highly qualified for the council.  

In a time of political gridlock and uncompromising viewpoints, his assessment of both sides of an issue and pursuit of a middle ground is refreshing. He is honest, forthright, hardworking and perhaps to his discredit, largely apolitical. 

We strongly believe his motivation in seeking elected office is to serve the citizens of Scarborough to the best of his ability, independent of any personal gain or notoriety.  Nov. 2 is an opportunity to take advantage of his talents by voting him onto the Town Council.   

Maureen Burns and James Riechel

Scarborough

Know from experience candidates can do job

To the editor:

During my 12 years on the Scarborough Town Council, I had the pleasure of serving with two truly dedicated public servants. Mike Wood and Richard Sullivan have proven track records of dealing with difficult issues facing our community. They are both deserving of your consideration and hopefully your vote.

Mike has a vast array of experience in addition to his first term on the Town Council.  He served for nine years as a member of the Planning Board. He has also selflessly served on the Open Space Committee, Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, Oak Hill Traffic Committee and Library Board of Trustees. Mike has all requisite skills to continue to be an outstanding town councilor: intellect, judgment, patience and commitment.

Richard is a local business owner and a career fireman.  He is always thoroughly prepared for council meetings.  His family has been in Scarborough for many generations, which gives him the historical knowledge to share with his colleagues. In addition to his time served on Town Council, Richard has also served as a member of the Planning Board. I’ve never met anyone who cares more deeply about Scarborough than Richard Sullivan.

 There are many tough issues facing our town. Mike Wood and Richard Sullivan have faced similar challenges in the past with outstanding results. I have no doubt they are both more than up to the challenge presented by these tough economic times. Please consider these two individuals when you mark your ballot this year.

 

Jeffrey Messer 

Scarborough