Dear Ladies & Gentlemen,

My name is James Kelcourse and I want to be your next State Senator for the First - Essex District. As a resident of Essex County since childhood, I understand the unique promise our community offers to everyone who lives, works, or visits here. As a small business owner, city councilor, husband and father of two young boys, I also know the the challenges that we face in continuing to realize that promise for ourselves and the generation to come.

Like many of you, I am neither a true Democrat nor a true Republican. For too long, professional politicians have pursued policies that have driven jobs out of our community while, at the same time, increased our tax burden. As your Senator, I will be an independent voice for our community who will make the right choices rather than the partisan or politically expedient ones. That means I will work tirelessly to foster a business and regulatory climate that provides people with both the confidence and tools to start and grow businesses right here in our community. By encouraging development of our commercial and industrial base and supporting job creators, we will reduce the number of unemployed, generate revenues to offset our increasing residential property taxes and continue to deliver to our children the quality education they deserve without adding to classroom sizes.

The citizens of Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport, Merrimac, Methuen, Haverhill and North Andover don't need a Democrat or Republican as their next State Senator, they need someone who will roll up his sleeves and solve problems for the people. As a two-term City Councilor At-Large for the City of Amesbury, I have a proven track-record of finding pragmatic and cost effective solutions to even the most divisive of issues. I worked hard to save $2.1 million to relocate our Department of Public Works facility. Also, my experience in negotiating health care costs as a small business owner and my recommendations regarding the same to our administration led to significant cost savings since my first term in office.

I know all too well the meaning of hard work and the effort that goes into serving my community, running a business and raising a family. My wife and I work full time so that we can provide a home in which to raise our two young boys, ages 3 and 1. On Election Day, November 6, 2012, please put my education, experience and hard work-ethic to work for you by making me the next State Senator for the First - Essex District. Thank you for your support and I look forward to earning your vote.

Sincerely,