Blake looks forward to new challenge with C-K

I’ve written several thousand stories, columns and editorials during my career.

This is one of the most difficult and important I’ve ever had to write.

Effective Oct. 17, I will no longer be taking an active role in operation of The Chatham Voice.

I have accepted a new challenge, that of communications officer for the municipality.

The new position offers me the opportunity to speak to Chatham-Kent residents in a different way, with a different Voice so to speak.

I am extremely excited for the chance to enhance the relationship between the municipality and the people it serves.

The greater the understanding of what happens in local government, the more effective that local government can be.

As excited as I am, I still retain a tremendous amount of affection for The Voice and the people I’ve been privileged to work with during the past three years.

They have been with me during times of deep personal tragedy and the triumphs we’ve had as The Voice became a part of our community.

They are family in every sense of the word.

The fact that I won’t be sitting in our office on a daily basis will not diminish what we have.

When Bruce and myself founded the newspaper, we had a simple rule: Regardless of ability, we wouldn’t hire someone whom we wouldn’t have over to our homes for dinner.

Bruce, Mary, Fatima, Michelle, Darlene and Nadine are committed to producing a product that makes a difference in the community.

That will not change.

We’ve spent a good deal of time during the past three years debunking rumours and giving you the facts as we’ve best been able to find them.

With that in mind, you need to be aware that this change in my personal life in no way reflects the newspaper, (which continues to grow) or my relationship with my work family, (which is as strong as ever).

The next time I see you, I may be wearing a different hat, but it will be the same guy underneath.

Take care until then.