Mayor Blake Massengill, our new mayor of Fuquay-Varina, is as home-grown as one could get. Born in Rex Hospital, his family moved to Fuquay-Varina when he was age two. He grew up playing town basketball and soccer, and riding horses at Ballentine Farms Riding Academy. He graduated from NC State University. When he married, he and his new bride, Heather, made their home in Fuquay-Varina, and are raising their family here. And, as if that were not local enough, he has served Fuquay-Varina as Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce member, planning board member, town commissioner, and six years as mayor pro-tempore before being elected current mayor.
When asked what he loves about his hometown of Fuquay-Varina, his list is long. He says, “Yes, we are a larger town now, and we are growing in Wake County, but it still has all the fun times and charm it had when I was a kid. The town feels personable, a family-oriented town.” Wherever he goes, to a store or to a restaurant, he sees people he knows. He appreciates the family activities. Several local restaurants have Tuesday kids’ night where they have kid-friendly food and games the whole family can enjoy. He loves the downtown festivals and events, the parades, the Christmas tree lighting (that reminds him of a Hallmark Christmas card), the local flavor of the restaurants and the music they play at night, the personal service you receive at shops where they remember your last purchase and suggest something to complement it.
Stepping into his new office, one immediately gets a sense of what he values. On one wall, he proudly highlights a gallery featuring local renderings of Fuquay-Varina scenes, past and present. Pictures of his family occupy a prominent place on another wall. He and Heather are the proud parents of two beautiful children—Jake, age 6, a kindergartener, and Anna, age 4, a preschooler. He smiles with pride as he talks about his family.
Does he have any hobbies? He is a self-described “modern father” whose hobby is involvement with his kids and their sports–soccer, basketball, summer swim team, and dance. He not only has enjoyed volunteering with these sports teams but has also coached. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and takes his kids everywhere with him. If they are not playing sports, they can be spotted at parks, or walking down Main Street, or in local restaurants eating Anna’s favorite food, cheese pizza, or Jake’s favorite, cheeseburgers. His family enjoys being together supporting local places and local entertainment.
Who are his heroes? He says, “My parents have been great mentors.” They taught him to always treat others with kindness and to listen to them, even though they may have a difference of opinion. Growing up, his mother always told him to follow The Golden Rule; that is, treat others like you want to be treated. He says, “That makes a difference with people, even if you are going to have a different opinion. Listening doesn’t mean you will always be on the same page, but when we have a chance to talk about something, to hear what somebody else says, being part of a conversation makes a difference.” He adds, “I represent the citizens of Fuquay-Varina; and so, it’s important to have input from many different citizens, to learn what they believe, what they would like to see in the town and what they expect out of their mayor.”
He also credits former Mayor John Byrne as his mentor on the town board, and a very good friend, who taught him how to lead people and how to work with fellow board members and citizens.
A homebuilder by trade and background, Mayor Massengill has always had an interest in being involved in his community, and his goal has been to give back to his town. He says, “Being a town commissioner for eight years and mayor pro tem. for the last six of those eight years, I had in mind I wanted to run for mayor when the time was appropriate. [Former] Mayor Byrne did an excellent job. It was a matter of timing—the right time.” He says he is honored and humbled that the people of Fuquay-Varina would think that highly of him to elect him as mayor. He considers the chance to serve the public as mayor a great opportunity to give back and make a difference—to lead in achieving positive changes and direction for our town.
Along with years of service in Fuquay-Varina town government and in the community, Massengill also brings the value of a business education and background to the office of mayor. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting with a minor in Spanish from NC State University, then went back to night school to earn a master’s in finance and a master’s in supply chain, also from NC State. He believes his business education is most beneficial to this office. He says, “At the end of the day, the town of Fuquay-Varina is in the business of providing customer service and a high quality of life to its citizens. Fuquay-Varina’s [governance] requires handling large budgets and improvements in infrastructure and quality-of-life. All these issues require us to make business decisions. So, what better background than a business background to help lead a town.”
I asked Mayor Massengill what he would like people to know about him. He said, “I have the civic and business experience needed for mayor of Fuquay-Varina, but I am a family person and have young children who are involved in our community. I understand what families are looking for.” He explains that with his background and history in our community, having lived here a long time, he has seen the wants and needs of our citizens change over time. The town is seeking to meet these changing needs. One example of this is the construction of the new Center North-Adult Activity Center.
The biggest thing he wants people to realize about him is that much like former Mayor John Byrne, he is relatable; he wants to talk to people. He would like the people of Fuquay-Varina to know that before going on social media to complain about an issue, he welcomes them to reach out to him or town staff first, and maybe the problem could be solved through personal conversations. He is open to a phone call. He has even been known to pick up the phone himself when he sees somebody with a complaint on social media and say, “Let’s talk about this issue.” And he has found that often, with two people sitting down and talking, problems can be solved.
Mayor Blake Massengill is not a mayor who is going to hide out and not be seen in the community. People will see him around town enjoying all the good our town has to offer, his children in tow.
