Young Flynn Wants To Run For Legislature

BY SUSAN MENDE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010

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CANTON - Matthew J. Flynn II, a senior at Canton Central's Hugh C. Williams High, is expected to formally announce his candidacy for St. Lawrence County Legislature during a press conference Monday.

Mr. Flynn, 18, of 343 Route 35, said he will make an announcement speech beginning at 3 p.m. on the outdoor steps of the St. Lawrence County Courthouse, 48 Court St.

The courthouse is scheduled to be closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Mr. Flynn, a Republican, has indicated interest in the District 8 legislative seat held by Tedra L. Cobb, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election to the 15-member county Legislature.

He is expected to face off in a Republican primary in September against Kevin D. Acres, a Madrid farmer who announced last week he was running for the seat in next November's election. The district represents the towns of Canton, Madrid and a portion of the town of Potsdam.

Mr. Flynn has also indicated his political aspirations on his website, www.voteflynn.us. The site includes a map of district 8 and his position on various political issues.

He hopes to be joined at Monday's press conference by family members and supporters, including some fellow members of the Canton varsity boys' hockey team, where he serves as captain.

Mr. Flynn is the son of Matthew J. Flynn, a former Ogdensburg city councilor and Andrea Bronson, Canton.

Mr. Flynn said he voted in last November's election and turns 19 in July. Next fall, he plans to begin his freshman year at Clarkson University, where he intends to major in biology and minor in pre-medicine.

During the past year, he has been active in the St. Lawrence County Republican Party and founded the Canton High School Republican Club. He has also written several letters to local newspapers voicing his opinion on county and state issues.

Mr. Flynn also campaigned for Republican Diedre K. Scozzafava in the race for the 23rd Congressional seat last November. When she dropped out of the race, he campaigned for Douglas L. Hoffman, a Conservative.