Dodge seeks another term

ATHOL — Alan Dodge said he brings a working man’s perspective to the Athol Board of Selectmen.

He has worked for the L.S. Starrett Co. for 40 years and says this experience helps him represent everyday people. He looks to continue that service when he defends his three-year seat against challengers Holly Young, Sarah Gambrell and Rebecca Bialecki in Monday’s election at the Athol Senior Center. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dodge said he wants to help keep Athol moving forward. He is finishing up a three-year term, having won back his seat after losing a re-election bid following two terms.

“I like to help our citizens and hear their concerns,” he said.

He said he helped the community establish the North Quabbin Commons, which hosts a Market Basket supermarket, and a new police station during his first two terms. Though the North Quabbin Commons continues to attract corporate retail shops, Dodge said he wants to help create a business park on South Athol Road for manufacturers and business offices.

A couple of his challengers chose to run for office citing what they consider mishandling of the town’s proposed 911 dispatch regionalization. Dodge adamantly defends selectmen’s handing of the issue.

“It wasn’t done behind closed doors,” he said. “I’ve been on this board nine years and not one thing is done behind closed doors. It was all out in the open — not in the backroom.”

He also said he did not sign the intermunicipal agreement in March 2015 because he was out of town.