Hagerstown Councilman Sean Flaherty Announces Candidacy for State Delegate, Pledging Lower Taxes and Increased Public Safety

The following is based upon the candidate’s press release announcing his/her candidacy, interview, or published campaign platform. All claims are re-published as represented by the candidate and state board of elections records. RFHC welcomes all candidates for the upcoming election cycle to submit a candidate profile or request an interview. Additionally, candidates are welcome to submit opinion pieces on important local topics, offering further insight into their views on specific issues. To submit a candidacy announcement press release, request an interview, or submit an opinion piece, please email kbuckler@radiofreehubcity.com.

Hagerstown resident Sean Flaherty has officially announced his candidacy for the House of Delegates representing District 2B, according to his campaign. Flaherty, a current member of the Hagerstown City Council, stated his intention to bring new leadership to Annapolis, citing concerns over the state’s fiscal direction, rising fees, and the impact on residents’ economic well-being. He highlighted Maryland’s significant budget deficit and a reported exodus of residents as critical issues demanding immediate attention and a departure from the current political course.

Flaherty expressed a desire to represent a constituency that feels overlooked by current state policies. He pointed to legislative votes on issues such as a Reparations Commission, tax and fee increases, and funding for educational initiatives as examples of the “status quo” he aims to challenge. According to his campaign, he believes these decisions have not adequately prioritized public safety and have placed an undue financial burden on Marylanders, contributing to a sense of economic hardship. Flaherty emphasized the need for a representative who understands the direct financial implications of Annapolis policies on local communities and who can provide a counterbalance to a singular party’s dominance in the state legislature, advocating for fair congressional redistricting processes.

“We are at a crossroads Hagerstown with the direction of our state,” said Flaherty in the press release. “We cannot afford to keep the same status quo politicians who vote for a Reparations Commission, vote to increase all our taxes and fees, vote to fund the failed blueprint of Maryland while also not prioritizing public safety and leaving Marylanders more vulnerable and less safe.”

In his capacity as a Hagerstown City Councilman, Flaherty’s campaign stated that he has opposed property tax increases and supported enhanced police funding. His advocacy for an anti-camping ordinance within Hagerstown was also highlighted as a measure aimed at improving public safety and the overall quality of life for residents. Flaherty has indicated that if elected to the House of Delegates, his legislative priorities would include maintaining low tax rates, advocating for increased police funding across the state, and fostering economic development to encourage the growth of both businesses and individuals within Maryland. He frames his candidacy as a choice for voters in November, urging them to support a movement focused on government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

Flaherty was elected to the Hagerstown City Council in 2024. He became a resident of Hagerstown in 2021, drawn to the area by its natural beauty, affordability, and a perceived calmer pace of life compared to his native Washington D.C. His engagement in local governance extends to his appointment to the Hagerstown Planning Commission in March 2023, and his leadership of the Dewey Central Neighborhood’s 1st group in 2023. His campaign encourages interested individuals to visit his website at flahertyfordelegate.com to learn more and contribute to his campaign.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Flaherty for Delegate and previous coverage.

DISCLAIMER: Councilmember Flaherty purchased $60.00 of rotating banner advertisements from Radio Free Hub City during the 2024 election cycle in September, 2024. No compensation was received regarding this article.

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