I have known the Gilmore family my whole life having grown up just down the street. The family is well known for donating their time and efforts to help better our town and the area. Blake Gilmore is not just hard working but a commendable success story and decorated multiple times for things he’s accomplished. I am sure that as a selectman Blake would bring the same commitment, the same enthusiasm, and the same work ethic that he has shown in all his other endeavors. He has already immersed himself in the issues facing us and is ready and willing to learn more about how things work and, most importantly, what the residents in town want. With our country currently so divided and things so contentious, the one thing a small town like ours doesn’t need is any negativity that seems to be starting. I believe that any person who has, or is willing to, donate their time and effort for our town should be thanked and commended. That being said, I also believe we are extremely lucky to have a person like Blake whose ability, integrity and common sense can only make our town better.

Tom Peabody

South Deerfield