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John Blankley, Greenwich Democrat, has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run at state treasurer.

John Blankley, Greenwich Democrat, has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run at state treasurer.

Greenwich Democrat considers statewide run

GREENWICH Another of Greenwichs most prominent Democrats is setting his eyes on a position in Hartford.

John Blankley, a member of the town Board of Estimate and Taxation, has announced he has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run for state treasurer in 2018.

Fundamentally, I have a strong desire to serve, Blankley said. I have a strong desire to give back to the community and the state. Life has been good to me and my family and Im fortunately in a position to do it. I want to do this.

Blankleys move comes on the heels of a similar one by Selectman Drew Marzullo, also a Democrat, who announced earlier in the week he has formed an exploratory committee toward a possible run for lieutenant governor.

Blankley said it is too early to say whether or not he actually will become a candidate.

It depends on the extent of the support I am able to get during the exploratory phase, he said. During this phase you can ask for money and ask for support. If its determined there is enough support, then you can turn it into a full candidate committee.

Blankley has run for office several times in Greenwich, including last year when he challenged incumbent state Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-36th. That race, as well as previous ones for first selectman and state representative, ended in defeat, a fate common to Democrats in Greenwich, where they are significantly outnumbered by Republicans.

But the odds would shift significantly in Blankleys favor were he to get the Democratic nomination in a statewide race in blue Connecticut.

Blankley said he believes he is well positioned to serve as treasurer. He noted his years in the private sector working in high-ranking positions for large companies including BP North America, and as the head of the small business he formed, Flagship Networks, a successful IT company.

I had to ask myself, How best can I make a contribution? Blankley said. This position seems like a perfect fit ... running a treasury operation, managing bond issuance and overseeing investments are all the core activities of the big corporate jobs that I had over the years.

The treasurers position is a powerful place from which to advocate for ideas that will help the state solve its financial problems, he said.

Several Greenwich Democrats are encouraging Blankleys run, including former Selectwoman Lin Laverey, who said the state would be fortunate to have Blankley in Hartford.

He is well suited for this position, Lavery said. He has the financial expertise. Thats what we certainly need right now.

Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jeff Ramer, who serves on the BET with Blankley, called Blankley the best of the best for the job.

The horrifying complexities and big numbers in Hartford are likely to be comparatively routine challenges to John, Ramer said. I have had the honor to work alongside John on the Board of Estimate and Taxation. For the town, just as he has as the CFO at major corporations, he greets these worrisome challenges with a calm and competence.

Blankley, who was born and raised in England, moved his family here in 1983, and became a U.S. citizen in 1997. He said he would likely make a decision on whether to run or not within the next six months. In the meantime, he has set up a campaign website at http://www.blankleyfortct.com.

Incumbent state Treasurer Denise Nappier has not announced whether or not she will seek another term. A Democrat, she has served as treasurer since 1999.

On Friday her offices Director of Communications David Barrett said no decision regarding another run has been made.

Blankley said Nappiers decision would have no bearing on his own interest in the office.

There will be other candidates, Blankley said. There has to be. Whatever she decides will make no difference to me. Its about what needs to be done in Connecticut and what I can bring to the table.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com

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Greenwich Democrat considers statewide run - Greenwich Time