Brewster Select Board Calls For Flanagan’s Resignation

BREWSTER – The Brewster Select Board has joined the evergrowing list of officials, including Governor Maura Healey, and organizations calling for State Representative Chris Flanagan’s resignation after his April 11 arrest. 

Flanagan allegedly used stolen funds for mortgage and credit card payments, campaign funding, and personal expenditures including psychic services, menswear and an air conditioner.

Flanagan, D-Dennis, pleaded not guilty to five counts of wire fraud and one count of falsification of records in court on April 11. He was released shortly afterwards with the conditions of keeping his employment or seeking a new job, handing over his passport and checking in with probation officers. 

A letter, drafted by member Mary Chaffee, was signed by Chair David Whitney at the April 28 select board meeting. It reads: 

“The Brewster Select Board exercises its powers and duties in the best interest of Brewster’s residents, businesses and visitors. It is vital that Brewster town government have an effective and high-performing Representative in the Massachusetts State House advocating on our behalf. 

“Your April 11, 2025, arrest on multiple counts of wire fraud and falsification of records will make it difficult for you to advocate effectively for the people of Brewster. While your innocence on these charges is presumed, we expect much of your time and energy will be spent defending yourself in this matter and not working in our interest. 

“Additionally, we are aware of the extensive investigation into your conduct by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance. That agency concluded in 2024 that you failed to comply with Massachusetts campaign finance law and you paid a penalty and other payments of $39,572 as a result of their findings. 

“Therefore, we ask that you resign from your position as Representative for the 1st Barnstable District.”

Flanagan’s situation puts local residents at a “significant disadvantage,” said Chaffee.

“Because of the complexities of the legal charges that he’s facing and some of the issues that he has had to face in the past, I think that Brewster residents, as well as residents of our neighboring towns in the district, are at a significant disadvantage,” she said. “He simply won’t be able to work full time on our behalf and in our best interests and the people of Brewster deserve to have a representative at the state house working full-time for them.”  

Flanagan did not appear for the annual Massachusetts House budget debate. The three-day event ended Wednesday, May 1. 

In March, at an appearance at the Brewster Council on Aging, Flanagan spoke about the importance of the house budget debate, calling it the next step before understanding how federal cuts will affect programs like senior lunches. 

Flanagan has yet to comment on the arrest or potential resignation. Calls to his office were not returned.