To the Editor,

I'm Andrew Kelly, a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, graduate of our schools, Eagle Scout, and community volunteer, and I ask for your vote in the upcoming Democratic primary.  I have been a vocal advocate for open meetings, strong fiscal accountability, and uncompromising quality, and I support a well-rounded education for our students.

Three generations on both sides of my family currently live in Portsmouth. My parents Paul and Bev Kelly, my Brother Brad and Sister Veronica, my Uncle Ted and Aunt Maryellen Fischer and Uncle Peter Kelly, and my grandparents, Dale and Paula Bradley and Ann Calcutt are all proud to call Portsmouth home.

I am enrolled at Bristol Community College in the Criminal Justice Transfer Program, and I serve on the BCC Student Senate. As a 2010 Graduate of Portsmouth High School, I have first-hand experience of the school system and a personal understanding of the importance of providing a well rounded education.  While in high school, I served as the PHS Drama Club Secretary and the Portsmouth Chapter of National Art Honor Society Historian. As part of my Senior Project, I created the website http://www.portsmouthrihistory.webs.comto teach people about the rich history of Portsmouth. 

For my Eagle Scout community service project, I organized and led the Common Fence Point Improvement Association Building Beautification Project.  I am now a life member of National Eagle Scout Association and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 82, based at Saint Mary’s in Portsmouth.

In addition to volunteering at school and with the Boy Scouts of America, I have been appointed by the Town Council to serve on three town committees: the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee, the Elmhurst Planning Committee, and the Portsmouth Charter Review Committee.

I also volunteer in the community. I am on the Board of Directors for the Portsmouth Community Theater. I am a parishioner of Saint Anthony’s and I have volunteered yearly for the Saint Vincent DePaul Society. I am a lifelong member of the Quahaug Chapter Camping Club and North American Family Campers Association.

I support both the Arts and Sports in Portsmouth and will work toward improving the programs that are offered to students in all grade levels.  Students in Portsmouth deserve a well-rounded education, not just reading, writing and arithmetic.  Art, music, and sports are fundamental parts of education, not extras.

I respectfully ask for your support in the Democratic primary and I also ask that you support the other endorsed Democrats, Emily Copeland and Terri Cortvriend. Collectively, we stand for smart fiscal management that drives quality education; strong respectful relationships with our employees, parents, and community; open dialog amongst stakeholders; and excellence in all facets of our schools.

Respectfully Submitted,

Andrew V. Kelly