Newton Candidate Profile: Andrea Kelley For City Council

NEWTON, MA — With the Newton Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Andrea Kelley, who is running for councilor-at-large from Ward 3 on the Newton City Council. Kelley is an incumbent seeking a third term, which she expects to get because only two candidates are running for the two open seats. The other candidate is fellow incumbent Pamela Wright.

Kelley is a landscape designer and site planner.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Andrea Kelley

Campaign website

https://www.AndreaKelley.org

What city or town do you live in?

Newton

What office are you seeking?

City Councilor

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here

At-Large

Education

Masters of Landscape Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Occupation

Landscape Designer and Site Planner

Family

Married for 44 years to husband Bill, we have three children all in their 30's, two are married, and we have three grandchildren ages 1, 3 and 5.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

This will be my third term elected as a Newton city councilor

Why are you seeking this office?

To be a balanced and civil voice on the wide array of multi-issue local matters

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Divided views on contentious matters, and I'll continue to be a voice of common sense and collaboration.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I try to bring people together for mutual solutions rather than divide them by fear and anger.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

How to simplify and shorten the Special Permit process, continue to aim for environmental sustainability, help support families of loved ones struggling with mental illness and addiction, and the need for more housing at a variety of scales and types.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Have chaired subcommittees for the City Council such as the review and update of the Historic Landmarking and Demolition Delay Ordinances, serve as a thoughtful collaborator on school building projects and the Design Review Committee, work well with my colleagues, city staff, and am responsive and helpful to constituents

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't take it personally!