Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - While reiterating his previous vow to serve only two terms as Erie County District Attorney, John Flynn also hinted to WBEN he may be following a political trend, of late, to leave office early. This would allow for an interim District Attorney to be appointed before an election is held.
"I may leave before my term is up," Flynn told WBEN on Friday in a LiveLine interview with Brian Mazurowski. "If a business opportunity arises, I’m going to do what’s best for my family."
Flynn is talking to businesses and fielding opportunities, he said, and has always said he would serve only two terms in office.
"I personally believe in term limits," Flynn said.
Flynn's career is steeped with public service with 28 years served in the U.S. Navy, as well as 22 years in public office in Tonawanda and Erie County.
During the WBEN interview, Flynn referenced the recent decision by Rep. Brian Higgins to step away from his seat in Congress before his term is up, leading to speculation he may be considering a run for that office.
Related
"No," he said firmly. "I have no interest in going anywhere that is chaotic and, quite frankly, dysfunctional."
In making his announcement last week, Higgins cited the dysfunctional nature of Congress as the main factor for his decision.
So, now what?
In the Erie County District Attorney's Office, First Deputy District Attorney Michael Keane would be in line to step in as the Acting District Attorney if Flynn were to leave early. The Erie County Democratic Party has also hinted Keane would be the endorsed choice for the office in an election.
In 2016 when Frank Sedita left the District Attorney's Office early, Michael Flaherty took over as the interim District Attorney, and was eventually defeated in an election by Flynn.
As for Flynn?
"I’m looking forward to going out into the private sector," he said.