Overview:
Alex Blake Jr. is running for one of two open seats on the Athol Selectboard, aiming to continue his father's legacy of community service. Blake's priorities include economic development, opportunities for Athol's youth, and affordable housing. He also wants to see an interchange at Route 2 and South Athol Road studied closely to ease traffic congestion. Blake is one of five candidates for the two open seats, and the annual town election takes place on April 6.
ATHOL – Alex Blake, Jr., said he is running to fill one of two open seats on the Selectboard, in part, to carry on his father’s tradition of service to the community.
The late Alex Blake, Sr., was an active member Athol American Legion Post 102, having served as post commander, and was known for his dedication to community.
The younger Blake told the Athol Daily News, “My dad always served this community. He did a lot of school and Veterans Day programs, was part of the Legion’s color guard, helping out at veterans’ funerals. I just thought that now it was my turn to give back somehow.”
Economic development and opportunities for Athol’s youth are among Blake’s top priorities.
“I believe Athol should have more business coming in,” he said. “A lot of people are very concerned about recreational opportunities for the kids. I’d like to see a lot more of that in town.”
He also noted that the discussion on new high school has gained more public attention.
“A lot of people want a new high school,” said Blake, “but don’t understand that that would require a (Proposition) 2 ½ override. I’m for fixing and expanding the old high school.”
Born in Willimantic, Conn., Blake and his family moved to Athol in the mid-1980s. After attending elementary and middle school in Athol, he studied the electrical trades at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, where he graduated in 2003. Since then, he has worked in manufacturing. He has two sons, ages 7 and 14.
Another issue deserving of attention, he said, is transportation. Blake said he would like to see an interchange at Route 2 and South Athol Road studied closely.
“I think that would be a great way to lighten up the traffic coming east on (Route) 2A,” he said. “We have to research it a bit more to see what the overall cost would be and how it would impact the neighborhoods.”
In addition, said Blake, “We do need more affordable housing in Athol. There’s a lot of property in town that the town has bought back and we need to see if we can put those houses up for sale and start banking the money into the town budget. There are too many dilapidated buildings that could maybe be rehabbed into housing.”
Blake said his main priority is that voters get to the polls in April so that their voices can be heard.
“There are a lot of people who don’t typically vote in town elections, but it’s very important that they do,” he said. “Their decisions affect their taxes and other important local issues. They really need to go out and vote on April 6 to make sure their voices are heard.”
Blake said he plans on doing several standouts along Main Street during the month of March, as well as holding conversations with small groups of voters before the election. He also mentioned the possibility of renting a venue and inviting the other candidates to a discussion of the issues.
Blake is one of five candidates for two open seats on the Selectboard. The other hopefuls include incumbent Brian Dodge, Russell Raymond, Jon Costa, and Margot Parrot. The annual town election takes place on Monday, April 6. Polls at Town Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.