Foxborough Candidate Profile: Thomas Kelley For Housing Authority

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Foxborough town election is less than two months away and will see contested races for Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Housing Authority.

Throughout election season, Patch will post candidate profiles on the candidates running to help keep residents informed.

Running for office? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com to ask about getting a candidate profile published on Foxborough Patch.

Here's more about Thomas Kelley, an incumbent re-running for his Housing Authority seat against Mary Selig:

Why are you seeking elective office?

My 30-plus years in all aspects of housing allows me to have a complete understanding of both the public views and the state issues behind the scenes. I honestly believe I can make a significant difference in the years to come. Especially considering the concerted effort that the state is putting forth by bringing to light how serious the housing crisis is. Our job is simple by solution, to help the elderly, disabled, and veterans with their housing needs and I believe I am the most qualified with all of my experience.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Availability. Work as hard as possible to bring to fruition the potential projects that Foxborough will have available as a town. This means working diligently with the state as far as funding which will always be our largest obstacle.

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

Experience, Knowledge of the housing industry, and the proper contacts at all levels to achieve our goals.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Transparency. The waiting list for housing around the state is quite large. Even in the suburbs such as Foxborough. Potential tenants don't always understand the reasons why it may take quite some time to obtain housing and I believe it is my(our) job to not only educate but help them understand why it may take longer than expected.

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

I have been fortunate to have quite a lot of success in my Real Estate career which has led to different aspects of housing. Most recently I was asked to fill a vacant seat on the Housing Authority (4 1/2 years ago), I was also asked and was appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust, and I also participate in a newly formed forum called Small Housing. The objective of this is to come up with more ideas not just for the elderly but also for first time buyers to be able to afford Foxborough housing. I believe these accomplishments have and will continue to earn me the respect of my peers.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always put yourself in the shoes of the potential tenant.