Flynn: I Will Be Voice Of Reason GOP Candidate Youngest Ever To Run For County Legislature
By SUSAN MENDE
CANTON- Matthew J. Flynn II, the youngest to ever seek a seat on the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators, officially announced his candidacy Monday by claiming he will fight against tax increases.
Mr. Flynn, an 18-year-old Republican, was joined by about 50 supporters who gathered on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday near the steps of the county courthouse.
The announcement formally launched the Canton teen's campaign for county District 8 seat held by Democrat Tedra L. Cobb who is not seeking re-election in the Nov. 2 race.
Describing himself as a Conservative Republican, Mr. Flynn said if elected he will fight against county tax increases and search for spending cuts so that St. Lawrence County residents can afford to stay in their homes and raise families here.
"As legislator, I will be your voice of reason," the teen said. "I will be the voice heard across this county; the voice that says, when no one else will, no more tax increases."
Mr. Flynn will square off against Kevin D. Acres, a Madrid dairy farmer, in a September primary for the GOP nomination.
The district represents parts of the towns of Canton and Potsdam and all of the town of Madrid. It does not include the villages of Canton, Rensselaer Falls or Potsdam.
Reflecting on the ideals of Dr. King Jr., Mr. Flynn's prepared speech emphasized that despite the odds, impossible dreams can become reality.
The high school senior at Canton Central School acknowledged that some may dismiss him as being too young and inexperienced to hold a county legislative seat.
"I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness- a certain audacity- to this announcement. I know there are concerns that I have not spent a lot of time in county government. But I've lived here long enough to know that we need change in our county," he said. "If you share this dream with me, I have the skills and passion to make our dream a reality," he continued.
Between the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years, Mr. Flynn said county property tax revenue increased nearly $3 million "and some were still discussing a sales tax increase to generate more revenue."
"The Legislature, now more than ever, needs to hold the line and cut spending. In order to bring jobs to the county, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to the expansion and development of both business and industry," Mr. Flynn said. To identify specific spending cuts, the candidate said he and his campaign committee have been reviewing line items in the county budget document.
He shared his vision for St. Lawrence County's future.
"Let us dream of living in a county that has an abundance of jobs available for both skilled labors and college graduates. Our dream, that St. Lawrence County will stop exporting her greatest resource, and our families will be able to stay in this great place we call home."
