Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Family -- Kelly is married to the former Anika Howell, of Cherryville, and they have one daughter.

Religion -- Kelly and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Cherryville.

Education -- Appalachian State University -- Graduate -- Communication with minors in Marketing and Management; UNC Charlotte -- Graduate Certificate in Teaching (Secondary Social Studies) 

Military -- United States Marine Corps and reserves -- Honorable Discharge 

Profession -- He is an active REALTOR and he has been active in real estate investing for over 20 years.  Before entering real estate, Kelly was a field representative for Lt. Gov. Jim Gardner, R-N.C.; he served as 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 retail, finance, farming, textiles, and landscaping. 

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 North Carolina Assoc. of REALTORS.  He is also supportive of many other conservative, philanthropic, and pro-business organizations.

My mission is to be a fiscally and socially conservative member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Recently, the North Carolina Federation of Independent Business/North Carolina and many other pro-business organizations endorsed my candidacy.

In fact, economic development is a top issue; lower taxes, less crime, an education that prepares us for the 21st century, fewer rules and regulations, and assistance with infrastructure are all important elements. I plan to support water reservoirs in Upper Cleveland County and, in 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 child molesters.

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. We have to know who is in our country and we can't afford to allow terrorists and/or violent criminals to enter our country illegally. The issue has nothing to do with race; it has to do with the stability and safety of our country.

I support traditional marriage and the protection of private property rights; I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and other constitutional rights.

Finally, I support 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 safety.