Greenwich Board Of Education Member Seeks To Join State Rep Race

GREENWICH, CT — Board of Education member Joe Kelly announced this week he will seek the Republican nomination to run for the 150th House District seat currently held by Democratic state Rep. Stephen Meskers, who Kelly said he has the "time, resources and enthusiasm" to take on in November.

If elected, Kelly said he will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Education, as it "means a great deal" to him. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"My jobs as CEO of Uranium Markets, a small commodities brokerage firm, and president of Forestland Development, a real estate development company...take little of my time," Kelly said on his Elect Joe Kelly Facebook page. "I have partners that handle most of the day to day responsibilities. Along with my family, my service to our community will take center stage in my life."

In his announcement, Kelly described himself as a "conservative, fiscally responsible, lifetime Republican" who has lived in the 150th district for 22 years. He also noted he has dedicated a great deal of time to serving his community.

"As a coach, volunteer fireman, neighborhood association leader and elected official, I know how to work with others to achieve the best outcome in any given situation," Kelly said. "As a husband of over 30 years and father of four kids, I understand the needs of Connecticut families and will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to their representation."

Kelly was elected to the Board of Education in November and began his four-year term in December.

According to the Greenwich Time, Meskers has not yet committed to running for reelection, however he told the publication Thursday a decision would come soon. Meskers is also a member of the Representative Town Meeting.

While Kelly said he was thrilled to campaign and eager to serve, he also noted the important role the community will play in his efforts to get to Hartford.

"To succeed, I will need [residents'] help," Kelly said. "I am confident that my experience, when combined with your help, will lead us to victory in November...as your representative, I will give all I've got to ensure that I'm working for the best interests of the 150th district, the town of Greenwich and our great state of Connecticut."

Read Kelly's announcement in full here.