Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Family - Kelly is married to the former Anika Howell, from Cherryville, and they have one daughter.  Their families go back many generations in Cleveland and Gaston counties, respectively.    

Religion – Kelly is Southern Baptist, but he and his family attend St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cherryville.  St. John’s is his wife’s home church.    

Education - Appalachian State University – Graduate – Kelly is currently studying to become a licensed teacher in North Carolina. 

Military - United States Marine Corps and reserves – Honorable Discharge 

Profession – He is a REALTOR and small business owner with over 12 years’ experience in real estate.  Before entering real estate, Kelly was the Western N.C. field representative for Lt. Gov. Jim Gardner, R-N.C. and a district representative for U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, R-N.C.  He was a parole officer for the State of North Carolina and he worked in the private sector in other fields such as textiles, landscaping, finance and retail. 

Organizations – Kelly served on the board of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club and the Pregnancy Resource Center, which is a pro-life ministry.  He has been involved with many organizations including the Jaycees, Rotary and various Republican and conservative organizations.  He is a member of the National Rifle Assoc., the North Carolina Farm Bureau and the Gaston, North Carolina and National Assoc. of REALTORS.  He is also supportive of many other conservative and philanthropic organizations.    

My mission is to be a fiscally and socially conservative member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

I especially want to reduce taxes by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.   

Economic development is a top issue and I believe lower taxes, less crime, a sound, basic education and assistance with infrastructure are all important elements.  Specifically, I will work to improve transportation and I support reservoirs in Upper Cleveland County and Gaston County near Cherryville, Dallas, Bessemer City and High Shoals.    

Crime control and public safety are important issues and I intend to fight for the stiffest penalties for violent criminals and predators. 

The stability of our state and Republic can’t be ensured unless we support public policy that sends a clear signal that we are not a sanctuary for illegal aliens.  Illegal aliens should neither be able to obtain driver’s licenses nor vote and they should not be allowed to receive in-state tuition.  There are many other services they should not receive; however, they are too numerous to list. 

As for constitutional issues, I support traditional values and the protection of private property rights and I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights.

I am supporter of law enforcement officers, members of the military, veterans, emergency services personnel, teachers and others in the public and private sectors who sacrifice each day to ensure stability and raise families.

If elected, I will seek committee assignments that will allow me to focus on aging, water resources, transportation, economic development, emergency services, public health and safety, Second Amendment rights, private property rights, mental health, affordable health insurance, wildlife, conservation and agriculture issues.