Flanigan won’t collect state salary if elected

WETHERSFIELD — Tyler Flanigan, a 19-yearold college student running for the 9th Senate District race, has announced that if he is elected, he will refuse a salary and pension.

The district, which comprises Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield, is served by state Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, who is campaigning for attorney general.

Flanigan got involved in politics at 14, volunteering for Republicans across New England.

“As a college student who is trying to survive in an overly taxed state, I wrestled with the idea of accepting the benefits that state legislators are rewarded. However, after spending the past few months meeting hard-working constituents, it has become clear to me that it would not only be unfair, it would be irresponsible,” Flanigan said in a prepared statement.

“Candidates love to talk about fiscal discipline, but very few practice it. They offer slogans, not solutions. While my refusal won’t make a dent in Connecticut’s financial woes, I stand in solidarity with the people of the 9th District,” he added.

Flanigan was recently endorsed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Peter Lumaj.

Lumaj said he believes Flanigan will bring change to Hartford.

“Republicans can count on him to defend our 2nd amendment rights, keep his promise to promote cutting taxes, and assist our next governor in dramatically shrinking the size of government,” he said in a press release.

If elected, Flanigan will champion change at the Capitol, Lumaj added.

“Connecticut needs a leader who will push for real, genuine change and reverse the last 40 years of damage that Democratic leadership has done to our great state. Mr. Flanigan will break the tie in our state Senate,” Lumaj added.

Flanigan has also signed the American Taxpayer Protection Pledge. He has also pledged to oppose any effort to implement tolls, according to his campaign.

File photo Tyler Flanigan of Wethersfield is running for state Senate in the 9th District.