To the editor:
The Merrimack Valley is a wonderful place to raise a family. Amesbury, Salisbury and Newburyport are wonderful communities in which to live — each offering its residents local beauty, recreation and a rich history. There are many wonderful, proud people and families working hard to make our little slice of Massachusetts better. How can we find a new voice in government who will fight for us on Beacon Hill?
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, I am voting for James Kelcourse as state representative for the First Essex District of Massachusetts. Jim grew up in Amesbury, has a beautiful wife and young family, and is currently serving his third term as city councilor at-large in Amesbury. He has a law practice in Newburyport and comes from a hard-working family.
Jim knows Amesbury and our district inside and out. He has been a quick study on municipal governing with the capabilities to not only articulate his thoughts on the big picture challenges of our community, but also the ability to do the job in directly helping his constituents connect with city services. Jim is passionate about improving our schools and investing in Amesbury to attract new business.
Jim has the ability to cut through the rhetoric and ask tough questions, holding department heads accountable. He collaborates with colleagues to bring consensus on a solution in a positive manner. Jim is still the first one I call when I have questions on the budget or other local issues. Despite his busy schedule working hard for his family and at his law practice, he always answers the phone.
In state government, one-party rule and their special interests folks have implemented a decision-making process that takes place behind closed doors by a select few. I am confident Jim will work hard to realign the priorities of the state budget toward those of which the communities he represents, not the special interests of the majority party.
Jim Kelcourse represents the future. Jim will work with legislators who agree now is the time for local aid and Chapter 70 education funding reform. Jim knows forcing communities to raise taxes to meet the mandate demands of education funding is wrong. Jim will focus like a laser beam on fiscal reform. He understands that we are border district, which proves as a competitive disadvantage for small and mid-size businesses. Instead of losing business to communities north of the border, Jim will fight for policies to help keep jobs and allow existing businesses in our district to prosper, attract new investment and new jobs within our communities.
Please join me as I cast my vote for Jim Kelcourse on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 4. Jim has the experience, passion, intelligence and drive we need to represent the 1st Essex District. Jim will proudly answer the call and be an effective fighter for reform and for the priorities of the hard-working families of Amesbury, Newburyport and Salisbury.
Derek Kimball
via: The Newburyport Daily News
