Did you know that the youngest mayor in North Carolina governs a town that borders the Christ School campus?
Preston Blakely came prepared to talk about his political rise to the leader of Fletcher, N.C. He also clearly knew his audience Wednesday when addressing the boys in St. Joseph’s Chapel.
“I think you all are rock stars, to be honest,” Blakely said.
“I know that I’m in the presence of the greatest minds, the most amazing athletes, and most of all what is universally true for all of you, the leaders of today and tomorrow.”
Blakely, 28, was born in Asheville and grew up in Fletcher, which has a population of roughly 8,000.
The mayor said that he feels local government is the most tangible kind with real issues that affect people’s daily lives, including property taxes and the effectiveness of services like the police and fire department. He always had an interest in civic duty and first ran for office in 2019 when he was elected to Fletcher's town council. They may not have similar aspirations in their future, but Blakely encouraged the boys to exercise their right to vote when they turn 18.
The mayor's visit was part of the “Lift Every Voice” Speaker Series, now in its second year at Christ School.