Freedom in General

04/19/2025

03/14/2025

3-14-2025, Friday. Congrats, you made it through another week! And a busy week it has been. Actually, every week has been a week of challenges, new beginnings, robust issues and accomplishments serving in the 132nd Legislature. It truly has been.
No secret as to what is happening in Augusta as the news is readily available to keep us all up to the latest happenings. What I am finding most interesting now is experiencing the news feeds from behind the scenes.
With every news story, every headline, there is a much deeper, longer, and complex sequence of events with the reporter just capturing the "headline". What is apparent, is the public's response to the headline, then creates the next series of events to unfold. Quite fascinating, and quite horrifying, as the emotions of the events unfold in real time.
What is very apparent, and I can say with no reservation is the level of commitment and passion that your elected Representatives and Senators bring to Augusta on their constituents behalf. Within the Party I am associated with I am finding a very deep and compassionate and at times a fierce advocacy for you, for us. It is present in the Caucus, in the Committees and in the Chamber. I am very proud of the Leadership as they navigate through some very troubles waters. Waters in which truth and integrity don't rule the day. It is hard.
As they have said Politics can be a bloody game, yet at the end of the day, the result is what is measured. The comparison to Sausage making is true; process is ugly and you really don't want to know what is in it, but in the end it's attractive to the eyes and palatable to the mouth.
Yes, I am proud of our Leadership, we're in good hands. There will be much more to come and many more issues to tackle. We've not been in session very long and the challenges in front of us are big. Very big and very important to all of us.
We will all be better served, all of us, with a Two-Thirds Budget, one in which we would all have a say in. It's the right thing to do and the way it should be. To exclude half the population in the Budgetary process is not something I am happy with, as are all others in the Caucus and yes, there are Democrats who want to see their Republican colleagues included in the budget negotiations. Because it's the right thing to do, and knowing that a Unilateral approach to the Budget is what has and is causing all the catastrophe that is Maine's financial problems.
Committee work is in full swing with hundreds of bills having their day in committee over the last number of weeks. Public Hearings and Work Sessions rule the day with new faces coming to the State House each day to be part of the process. From testifying to waving signs, the people come to Augusta. I very much enjoy this as it is heartwarming to see so many being involved in the "Sausage Making".
Last week I had the great fortune of re-acquainting with a dear friend, Molly Feeney, pictured here. Molly and I worked closely at Ironwood, a residential treatment center for teens located in Morrill, Maine. Molly was the Head of School for our up to 45 residents and I was the Manager of Direct Care staff for the residents. When you're caring for up to 45 Teens at risk, in a residential setting, well, bonds are formed and nurtured.
Molly is a tireless worker for the most vulnerable. She is the Executive Director of Homeworthy in Knox County and was in Augusta to support legislation for a statewide collaborative of to sustain critical shelter beds for homeless individuals and families. Molly is a native of Waldo County and knows first hand the realities of the many issues that face us here in these very rural areas.
Thanks to all of you who have reached out. The constituent engagement is welcomed and refreshing. I am proud to be representing us. At the end of the day, that is what it is truly about, being part of this thing, this idea, this precious commodity, FREEDOM.
Paul R. Flynn

03/08/2025

3-8-2025, Saturday. And yes, we made it! To March! Already a week into the month of, "in like a Lion, out like a Lamb", we're on our way to Spring! Congrats, "Come Spring" is upon us!
And a passage of Spring for the last 80 years here in Albion has been the birthday of this native son, Mr. Phillip Dow, Sr. Family and friends gathered at the Bessey Building to celebrate this amazing "Quiet Man". And a celebration it was with the Community Room packed to capacity to thank Mr. Dow and to celebrate with his family. From Boy Scout to Scout leader, to a lifelong commitment to not just to the Town of Albion, but to his service to his country as a Combat Veteran of the Vietnam War, we celebrated.
Senator Scott Cyrway and I had a Sentiment sent from both the Senate and House of Representatives to present to Mr. Dow for his tireless service to his community and State.
Happy Birthday Phil, many many more. God Bless you.

Legislative

I have been hearing from many, many constituents and from people all over the state. It is very encouraging to see the level of engagement. People are very willing to share how they feel and it should be this way. I very much enjoy it and the engagement has been very healthy.
I realize these are very trying and emotional times and I work hard to keep the discourse cordial and respectful. Yet, we are all human and I get the anger and frustration, but name calling and belittling is not helpful. Yes, we need a better example from our leaders but referring to anyone as lecherous and other sophomoric terms only crushes any opportunity for productive conversation.
It's hard. I represent all and when I am staring at situations and decisions that is leaving half my constituency without a voice, well, I don't like that and will speak for all of us.
Committee work is firing on all cylinders with Public Hearings and Work Sessions. I must say it is fascinating and exciting. Not so much the content of the legislation, although there is some very interesting ideas out there, but the process!
Self Governance! Thank you for electing me to be your Representative. It is an honor to be part of the great experiment, now 249 years young, of the Representative Republic known as the United States of America. FREEDOM rings true.
Paul R. Flynn

02/15/2025

2-15-2025, Saturday. Looks like we're finally getting a bit of Winter. State Office buildings were closed Thursday and there's more on the way tomorrow.
What a crazy couple weeks in the Legislature! The veteran legislators have all commented that the tiresome late night budget battles don't usually happen until late in the session, yet here we are. It is a complex and confusing process but one that is designed for all members to have a say in the Budget. A simple objective of having all people represented in this process. From what I can see, that has not happened.
I know that is not what some people want to believe, but we are operating with Budgets that only half the people of Maine have been represented in passing. Majority budgets have taken the place of the required two thirds budgetary process and now we have issues. While there is an impasse, it is time that all the people be heard and have a tangible role in preparing and adopting a Bipartisan Budget. This much I can say, we will be certain that we make your voice heard. It's not a big ask, we simply want to do our job and have the voice of all Mainers heard.
Today's pic, I trip to Kennebec Valley Community College for an update on the state of the college and I meet a couple old friends. Kathy Englehart(Left) and Brianne Pushor (Right), Kathy is the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs and Brianne is the Dean of Facilities and Operations. Truly, one of the most enjoyable parts of being your Representative is getting out and meeting new people but in rekindling old acquaintances, some from what seems a lifetimg ago! I had the great fortune of coaching Kathy's boys in baseball 20 years ago in the Fairfield PAL system. Kathy, and her husband Keith of Albion have children that are the same age as ours and Keith was an Coach along with myself when Albion won the League Championship in 2002. Lots of great memories!
Truth be told, Brianne Pushor is quite the Deer Hunter! I have known Brianne and her family for a number of years through the General Store! Yes, reconnecting to all in the district is far and away a very nice part of representing all of you.
I shared with a Constituent who had reached out on the Supplemental Budget that we live in a very diverse district. From intown Winslow to the far corners of Freedom and Unity Plantation one will find folks from all dimensions of the political spectrum, from Bernie Sanders supporters to Reagan Republicans and MAGA's, we have them all. I have had a number of folks reach out and I am happy you are. Please continue to do so.
Off to the Freedom Winter Festival today. Come join the good folks of Freedom for a day of Sleigh Rides, Ice Cutting Demo's, Ice Skating, Sledding and a good ol' mid winter Cabin Fever Reliever.
Thanks for taking the time to view my page, thanks for being engaged, thanks for caring, we all have a very important stake in this thing called FREEDOM.
God bless you all.
Paul R. Flynn

01/27/2025

1-27-2025, Monday. Here we are at the end of January already. Oh my, where has the month gone. Perhaps it is because there is so much happening around us that we're just spinning ourselves in circles and time just rips right on by! And, speaking of spinning in circles, I am certain you've heard of the proposed Budget by the Governor. I have to tell you, as a new Legislator I clearly expected to see certain things that would concern me once I was able to be on the "inside" of what is happening. Wow, I need to say this, we are in deep trouble, very deep. The Governor and her band of happy follower's(which is truly what they are), the Maine Democratic Party Leadership are literally killing this state. Yes, financially, with an ever increasing individual tax burden. Yes, socially, with a state guided welfare program that clearly turns it's back on the Mainers who've been paying the bills for the last decades. Yes, educationally, with an education system that is graduating children who cannot read and write and insists on advancing a derelict philosophy of Rainbow Flags, Transgender hysteria, woke agendas, and a Utopian view of the what is a very troubled world. The Governor's State of the State address is tomorrow. Fasten your seatbelt and wallet. The ride is going to be tough and she and her Democratic Party have an eye on your wallet. This much I can say, I am proud of our Republican Party. We're not perfect, and at least we're willing to admit that, but I can say with zero equivocation, that the Republicans are there for US. A cross section of my colleagues displays the absolute best Maine has in leaders. People who genuinely care for their constituents, not just the party line. I am proud to be a member of the GOP. But, we have lots of work to do. In a void of leadership, we will lead, but we need your support. The Government that is in control in Augusta is leading us into a dark wilderness, totally void of common sense and sadly, leadership. Stay tuned for this week's address, promises to be another 2 years of lies, deceit, and a general fleecing of the Maine working people.....today's pic....Loretta Grass of Knox, 95 years young and the recipient of the Boston Post Cane. I am becoming quite the expert of this ceremony now having the luxury of being present at 3 of them. Included in the pic, with the always beautiful Loretta is her two sons, Bruce and Larry. I am proud to call them friends. Loretta has been a member of our Freedom Congregational Church for decades. Nine to be exact! Happy Boston Post Cane recognition Loretta!.....have a great week out there....and remember....God has got this, He does. He promised. I'll stick with that! Also, remember, God is the creator of FREEDOM....stick with that!

01/03/2025

1-3-2025, Friday. Well, I passed the first test of 2025, I got the date correct the first time! Things are looking up already. Yes, things will certainly heat up from here with committee meeting schedules coming out and the schedule of meetings forthcoming! Wow, going to be busy....I noted while on the campaign trail that Assistance Plus, of Benton has opened a new Substance Use Treatment Service location in Winslow and that I wanted to visit them. Campaign activities got away from me and I never made it over there until now. Having owned and operated Freedom General Store in Western Waldo County I had the not so good fortune of witnessing what the Opioid Crises has done to our communities. In short, it is devastating. Too many of our youth have been sacrificed at the altar of addiction. Lives destroyed, families in crises, it is not good. And when I heard of this facility, well, I had to get to know these folks. I am glad I did. A short visit was all it took for me to see the dedication in these folks' work. A clear commitment to the community and to those in the throes of addiction is their singular focus and they are very capable of handling what may come their way. As your Legislator I will be looking for long term solutions toward arresting this scourge on our communities, addiction. We need long term treatment, along with a penal system that works. Yes, there will be swift punishment for those pushing this epidemic, but there will be help for those who want to work at being clean and sober. Free from the addiction and contributing to our communities once again is the goal. Government will play a meaningful role in the lives of those who want to be healthy! Oh, and I left with a back pack full of goodies, Left to Right in the picture, Lucie Stewart, N.P., Provider, Renee Lewis, Recovery Coach, Me, Natalie Childs, Program Director, and Colby Lee, Nurse Care Manager, what a team! Dedicated to the betterment of our communities! Thank you Assistance Plus! Looking forward to working with all of you! Paul R. Flynn, State Representative.

12/25/2024