Tyler

By ROY MAYNARD
Staff Writer

State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, announced on Thursday he'll seek re-election to the Texas House seat he's held for three terms.

"My job is to serve you, the people of Hunt, Rains and Van Zandt counties," Flynn said in his announcement. "I am prepared to continue my commitment to improving the lives of our communities."

Flynn, a cattle rancher, newspaper publisher and financial consultant, was first elected to the Legislature in 2000. He was recently appointed to the executive committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

During his tenure, he says, the Legislature has made significant progress on issues of concern to conservatives.

In the most recent legislative session, Flynn helped passage of a bill mandating steroid tests for high school athletes. He authored the legislation after meeting with the parents of children who died because of illegal use of steroids.

He said he's proud of the Legislature's accomplishments in 2007.

"The 80th Legislature set a fiscally sound budget that keeps taxes low and promotes a strong economy, with funds dedicated to ensure the 2006 property tax cuts are real tax cuts," he said. "We passed the 'castle doctrine' to protect the right to self-defense, and passed Jessica's Law, vigorously punishing child molesters. There is now a moratorium on onerous provisions of the Trans-Texas Corridor. Finally, our education can move beyond the TAKS test, and parents can enjoy tomorrow's tuition today, with the Texas Tomorrow Fund II."

Flynn serves as vice chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee, and is on the State Affair Committee.

The issues he'll focus on in the upcoming session include immigration, gambling and water, he says.

"My message is faith, family and freedom, and I live that every day," he said. "I will continue to do so should I be so fortunate as to receive your votes for re-election."

Flynn has served as interim county judge for Van Zandt County and as deputy banking commissioner for the state of Texas.

He and his wife, Susan, are active members of the Church of the Nazarene.