The Peru Gazette

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Ms. Blakelee’s responses were received four days after our October 14th deadline.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community involvement.

I grew up in a large family in Windham, NY in the northern Catskills, graduated with a BA from Trinity College in Washington, DC where I spent most of my career as a journalist. In 2004, my husband and I moved back to upstate New York where I received a graduate degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Before moving to the North Country as executive producer at Mountain Lake PBS, I worked for the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer for 21 years where I covered politics, the economy, education, environmental and urban issues, defense, and the arts. Previous to the NewsHour, I worked for ABC News “20/20”, various PBS units, local news, and as an independent documentary producer. I date myself when I mention that my first big story was Watergate. While at the NewsHour, I won several awards including an Emmy and a Benton Fellowship to the University of Chicago. Now at age 67, I am very involved in my church, and President of the Board of Trustees at the Adirondack History Museum. I am also still writing stories for regional magazines, including Strictly Business and Strictly Food for Thought.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

I have been covering government as a journalist most of my working life which has given me a good working knowledge of the issues facing us.

What county issues concern you the most and how would you address these issues?

I am very concerned about the stifling effect of high property taxes and the lack of economic growth and well-paying jobs. If elected, I will work to bring more opportunities and better paying jobs to Clinton County. With more and better paying jobs, we broaden the tax base and reduce the number of people relying on social services which in turn would reduce our individual taxes.

Why should a person vote for you?

I come from a family that believes in service and giving back to the community and I am at a point in my life where I can do that and be honored to serve.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Working Families