Blackie calls for independent voice in 6th Hampden District
Date: 7/18/2012
By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — Independent Lincoln Blackie, 22, may be new to the political arena but he says that what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with his "energy and ability to bring new ideas to the table."
Blackie, a West Side resident and graduate of Westfield State University who's running against incumbent State Rep. Michael Finn, 6th Hampden District, told
Reminder Publications that the current state of the economy says it all, proving that it's time to rid government of the status quo.
"I'm not satisfied with the economic problems and the government's [inability] to keep spending in check. Slow recovery isn't helping our friends who are losing their houses and their jobs. Clearly something isn't working here," he said.
"Mike Finn is a nice guy but he votes with the party leaders in Boston. We need to have a voice in Boston and someone who is going to bring a common sense approach," he added.
Blackie's biggest criticism of state and local government is their refusal to aid small business growth. "Small businesses bring most of the jobs and economic opportunities. Rather than making it easier for people to start and operate small businesses, Boston continues to strangle small businesses with regulations and taxes," he said.
Blackie credited his knowledge of small businesses to his work with the Agawam Small Business Assistance Center as well as his time spent as an intern in Washington, D.C., for Sen. Scott Brown.
When asked what was the most valuable lesson he learned from Brown, Blackie replied, "You learn that constituent service is the number one [priority]. It's the number one thing that I learned from him. That's what I intend to bring to the State House."
Other priorities for Blackie include the restoration of local aid, decreasing the cost of higher education and encouraging youth to participate in political campaigns.
"Our communities count on local aid and education. Over the past four years our local aid is down 36 percent. It's costing us jobs, teachers and scholarships for kids who want to participate in sports or higher education," he said in reference to the decreasing amount of Chapter 70 aid, which is allocated for school departments statewide.
Blackie added that the mounting costs of higher education are also unacceptable. "It's becoming extremely difficult for kids to go to college and if they can, they're coming out up to their elbows in debt," he said.
Blackie also called for the streamlining of government services and the promotion of regionalization.
"Creating efficiencies in state and local government [is paramount]. We need to become more efficient. It's not a slash and burn effect, you just need to cut the waste. In Massachusetts we can provide our services better than we already are," he added.
Blackie said he welcomes young people to get involved in his campaign or any campaign in order to make a change.
"Most people don't get involved in political campaigns or run for office but if you have these concerns, you should take the bravery you have in you to stand up and make a difference. Someone has to change the status quo in Massachusetts," he said.
Blackie encouraged those interested in helping the campaign or those constituents who would like to voice their concerns, to contact him directly at 364-0038 or at
lincolnblackie@yahoo.com.
Constituents and supporters are also welcome to attend his campaign kick-off on July 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hofbrauhaus, 1105 Main St.
