We have invited all candidates running for contested seats in the upcoming Newton election to submit a guest post to Village 14.  The format and content of the post is entirely up to them.

City Council candidate Andrea Kelley, who is running for one of the two Ward 3 at-large seats, has submitted the following post.

Hi, I’m Andrea Kelley, a current City Councilor. I live in West Newton, and am at-large, meaning every voter in Newton can vote for me, no matter which village or ward you live in.

The impetus to run for elected office struck me hard in 2017 when I first decided to throw my hat in the ring. There is a need for thoughtful, balanced consideration on local matters.  It is my main goal on every proposal that comes before us, to be a voice of positive and civil discourse on even the most contentious matters.

 I’m a landscape architect by training, and multi-issue by experience and intention.

Issues that I have particular commitment to include creating a diversity of housing options, keeping small local independent businesses in Newton, and the wide range of ways we can help ameliorate climate change in both daily actions and for longer term, large scale efforts.

I listen to constituents, examine the small scale ramifications as well as explore the long range and community-wide impacts and benefits. I look at both micro and macro scales.

I’m a collaborator and a problem solver who works with others to achieve solutions. I’m an effective City Councilor serving on the Public Facilities and Land Use Committees.  Reach out with your thoughts, and please vote for me on Nov. 5.