Mason Blake (Montreat Town Council, North Carolina, candidate 2022)

Mason Blake

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Montreat Town Council

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

University of Tennessee, 1972

Law

University of Florida, 1981

Personal

Religion

Presbytarian

Profession

Attorney at law

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Mason Blake ran for election to the Montreat Town Council in North Carolina. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022.^[source]

Blake completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

Per our coverage scope, Ballotpedia does not provide election results for this particular race. Check your city or county government's election website for vote totals.

General election

General election for Montreat Town Council (3 seats)

Mason Blake, Kent Otto, and Thomas Widmer ran in the general election for Montreat Town Council on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Mason Blake (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Kent Otto (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Thomas Widmer (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mason Blake completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Blake's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired attorney with extensive experience working with local governments.I have a life-long love for Montreat and will continue to devote substantial time and effort to the town, serving it to the best of my ability. I pledge to listen carefully to our residents, and to do my best to understand and respond thoughtfully to their concerns. I also pledge to work harmoniously with our mayor and other commissioners.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I have will devote extensive time in fulfilling my duites as a commissioner.
• I will work collaboratively with other commisioners and town staff, always focusing on the town's best interests.
• I will listen carefully to town residents, and do my best to understand and thoughtfully respong to their concerns.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about or town government fairly and transparently addressing a wide variety of needs and concerns, including without limitation finding additional sources of revenue to alleviate the tax burden on our residents, storm water and other environmental concerns, the town's comprehensive plan, revising and updating our storm water and steep slope ordinances, and eliminating certain ETJ areas.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Local government has the most direct impact on most individuals. Town commissioners are responsible for the performing the legislative duties of a town and therefore have a big impact on how well town government serves the interests of its residents.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to a great many people. I have been blessed with wonderful parents and many other wonderful relatives, friends, teachers, pastors and others who have influenced, and continue to influence, my life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

His Excellency: George Washington, by Joseph J. Ellis, and Lincoln, by David Herbert Dowd

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The cardinal virtues.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am thoughtful, hard working and always strive to do my best. I work to include love in my actions.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Honesty, hard work, humility and focusing solely on the needs and interest of the town.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am not concerned with leaving a legacy. I would like to leave office having improved the town and its government as much as possible.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Cuban Missile Crisis, I was twelve.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Bellboy at New Hall (now Davis Hall) in Montreat. One summer.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It is God speaking to us.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Mark Twain

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Oh! Pretty Woman.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

No

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Experience is helpful. But it is not necessary.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

My skills and expertise as an attorney, and extensive experience in working with local governments.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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