John P. Flanagan, the endorsed Democratic candidate for the 91st Connecticut House District, announced Monday that he is filing for a grant through the Citizens Election Program.
“I just feel this is the fairest, and best, way for all candidates to keep big money out and the taxpayers in charge”, said Flanagan.
Because the 91st District is entirely within the town of Hamden, to qualify, Flanagan, a former six term Hamden councilman, has to raise $5,000 in small donations — between $5 and $100 each —from residents of Hamden who support his candidacy.
Contributors must sign a form regarding their status as a lobbyist or whether or not they are a contractor doing business with the state, or if they are related to any such lobbyist or contractor. The program rules also prohibit donations from any business (except a small business/sole proprietor) group or PAC.
When the paperwork is complete and the funds are raised, the program provides a candidate for state representative a $26,850 grant to run the campaign. In return, the candidate may not spend other funds on his campaign; must submit his expenditures to the state for review, and, must adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
Due to statewide re-districting, the new 91st District boundary now includes areas of Hamden from State Street to Shepard Avenue, while embracing parts of the Whitneyville, Hamden Plains/Church Street, Dunbar Hill, Mix/Skiff and Paradise Avenue neighborhoods.
