03/25/2026
I just sent out a press release announcing my Candidacy for State Representative for Benning 5:
BENNINGTON, Vermont – Thomas “Tom” Blakely, a resident of Bennington, today announced his campaign for Vermont State Representative for the Bennington 5 District in the August Primary election.
Candidate’s statement: “I am excited to announce my candidacy for the State Legislature, and I look forward to serving Bennington and Pownal residents of the Bennington 5 district. It is past time for some new faces, and new voices, to represent us in Montpelier. My goal is to listen to your concerns and needs, and put them front and center in the House of Representatives. You will hear from me regularly throughout this campaign and during my term in office, keeping you informed of the issues, my positions and my successes on your behalf.”
Tom currently serves on the Town of Bennington Historic Preservation Commission, and is on the board of Directors of Bennington Community Solar, which owns a solar array on the roof of the Benmont Mill property. He is a regular contributor to numerous non-profits both locally and nationally, including The Bennington Museum, Francis of Assisi Society for Cats, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and many others. Mr. Blakely adds, “I am happy to be in a position to support these wonderful organizations, but the time has come to take more direct action. Bennington 5 has two seats in the legislature, one of which has been in the same hands for 18 years! It’s time for a change.”
A resident of Bennington since 2014, Tom is a relative newcomer to the political process, but brings a wealth of experience from business, academia and volunteer work. Now retired, he spent most of his career working in Information Technology. He was the owner of two successful businesses, one of which earned him the title “Small Business Leader of the Year for 2006” from the Jacksonville (Florida) Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Work in Information Technology requires logical thinking and planning, and owning a consulting business requires good communication skills. I believe that my work experience prepares me well to represent you in the Legislature.”, said Mr. Blakely.
For more information, you can view his web page at
Here are my four rules for living. So far these rules have worked well for me. As your representative you can count on me to keep following them:
