Tribute to Michael Flaherty

January 27, 2009

Mike Flaherty, South Burlington pioneer, airport advocate and founding member of the Channel 17 Trustees and dedicated public servant died last week at the age of 74. Mike negotiated the second Channel 17 contract in the early 1990's with Green Mountain Cable. Lauren-Glenn Davitian remembers: "Mike and I went into talk with Phil Hughes of Adelphia. We sat down and they started to talk about hockey. The finished this discussion and Mike got up to leave. Not a word was spoken about the cable contract. The next day, Mike received a contract from Adelphia and the deal was made." Michael Flaherty leaves his wife Paula, children, grandchildren and many, many people who respected and enjoyed him. Mike stood tall for free speech and we will miss him.

Two programs from the CCTV/ Channel 17 Archives:

ROADS SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Mike Flaherty appeared regular basis with Bill Aswad and other Democratic "Blue Dogs" on this monthly call-in program:

http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/roads-scholars-program

BURLINGTON SOUTH END LEGISLATORS ANN PUGH & MIKE FLAHERTY

http://www.cctv.org/node/3893

 

Read more on Mike's life and legacy in the Burlington Free Press.