Charlestown resident, Jack Kelly, has declared his candidacy for the District 1 City Council seat being vacated by Sal LaMattina. The District 1 seat on the Boston City Council represents the North End, Charlestown and East Boston.
He joins candidates Stephen Passacantilli, Lydia Edwards and Michael Sinatra in vying for the seat.
Kelly shared the following thoughts with NorthEndWaterfront.com.
As someone living in Charlestown who plans to raise a family in District 1 one day, it is imperative we have someone who puts the people of the North End, Charlestown and East Boston first.
I love the people of this district. I applaud the work of Councilor LaMattina. His dedication to our neighborhood’s were unparalleled. I admire his commitment to our district and our city. We are all better because of his work!
As we move forward, it is imperative that we elect a councilor who will be attentive to constituent services of our neighborhoods. But must also have the independence and global perspective to properly advocate for all of our residents.
We need a city councilor who has the experience to get things done, but the independence to work on your behalf.
I spent over 5 years as a neighborhood coordinator for Charlestown. I answered calls from neighbors at all hours of the night. I was available 24/7. I did not see this work as a burden, I saw it as an honor. Since then, I have successfully advocated for major mental issues facing our state and city. I created a business using mobile technology. I used an innovative approach to help solve a major health epidemic.
I will take this same innovative and independent approach to city hall!
I have the experience and independence to best serve our district. I will put the people of the North End, Charlestown and East Boston first. This race is not about me or other candidates. It is about us and what we need for our communities!
Jack Kelly, 35, is the founder of the iRecovery mobile app and was previously a Charlestown neighborhood liaison for Mayor Menino. He also served on several boards related to recovery and combating addiction including Governor Baker’s Health Care Transition Team. In 2016, he joined the staff of District 2 City Councilor Bill Linehan. He studied political science and graduated from UMass Boston. Kelly previously ran for an at-large city councilor position in 2013.
District 1 includes the North End, Charlestown and East Boston. There are no party affiliations for the Boston City Council position. The field will be narrowed to two candidates in the September 26th preliminary election with the general municipal election on November 7, 2017.
