Montville — Town councilor Dana McFee announced today that he plans to seek the Republican nomination for the state representative seat in the 139th district.

McFee cited high unemployment rates, over taxation and the erosion of the middle class in a news release explaining his candidacy. He is seeking the seat held by current state Rep. Kevin Ryan, D-Montville, who serves Bozrah, Franklin, Lebanon and Montville.

McFee has been a resident of Montville for more than 25 years. He has previously owned numerous small businesses in town, including Mugsy’s Bar in Oakdale, and has worked as a self-employed home improvement contractor.