Charles Flaherty (politician)

Charles F. Flaherty (born October 13, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts) is a U.S. politician who served as a Democratic member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1967-1996. He was the House Majority Leader from 1985–1990 and the Speaker of the House from 1991 to 1996.[1]

Charles Flaherty
Charles Flaherty, 1983
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office January 2, 1991 – April 1, 1996
Preceded by	George Keverian
Succeeded by	Thomas Finneran
Majority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office January 2, 1985 – January 2, 1991
Preceded by	W. Paul White
Succeeded by	Richard A. Voke
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 27th Middlesex district
In office January 1979 – April 1, 1996
Preceded by	Sherman Saltmarsh, Jr.
Succeeded by	Alice Wolf
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 3rd Middlesex district
In office January 1967 – January 1979
Preceded by	Timothy W. Hickey
Succeeded by	Paul Cellucci
Personal details
Born	(1938-10-13) October 13, 1938 Boston, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic Party
Residence	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Alma mater	Boston College

In 1996, Flaherty agreed to plead guilty to felony tax evasion for submitting false receipts regarding his business expenses.[2][3] In addition, he also admitted to civil violations of state conflict of interest law for receiving free vacation housing from lobbyists.[4] He stepped down as house Speaker and was fined $50,000.[5]

See also

• 177th Massachusetts General Court (1991-1992)
• 179th Massachusetts General Court (1995-1996)

References

1. Edward B. O'Neill; Robert E. MacQueen. 1995-1996 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2. "Massachusetts House Speaker Charles F. Flaherty charged with felony tax fraud; Will admit guilt on federal tax and state ethics allegations" (Press release). U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. March 27, 1996.
3. UPI (March 27, 1996). "Mass. House speaker in tax fraud plea". upi.com.
4. "In the Matter of Charles F. Flaherty, Jr". Massachusetts State Ethics Commission. March 27, 1996.
5. staff (Jan 10, 2011). "Flaherty quitting today". southcoasttoday.com.

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN

Party political offices
Preceded by Robert Q. Crane	Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party 1971–1977	Succeeded by Chester G. Atkins
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Preceded by George Keverian	Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives January 2, 1991–April 1, 1996	Succeeded by Thomas Finneran