By Lynn R. Mitchell
Terry Kelley has no opposition for his first run for public office after his opponent dropped out of the race this summer. So why would I endorse a candidate who is not in my district, and is a shoe-in for the job?
I’ve known Terry and his family since my family moved to Augusta County 20 years ago and became involved in the local homeschool organization, Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes (PEACH). His wife Denise and I served side-by-side on PEACH’s board for years, heading up field trips and meetings and consulting with new folks as they joined our ranks. More recently we both served together on the Augusta County Library Board of Trustees. Our children grew up together … their son Lee was part of the homeschool teen group that was at my house for many events, and son Tommy was a political junkie and Bill Bolling supporter when he was about 12. We’ve spent time at their house … they’ve spent time at ours.
While our children were young, Terry and my husband worked together with the 4-H outdoor shooting program at the Augusta County Government Center. Terry’s involvement with the fire department includes serving as chief of Company 10 on Richmond Road in front of Wal-Mart in Staunton. His community service also involved working with Supervisor David Karaffa, someone Terry and Tommy had helped win election so, when David resigned earlier this year and moved to Florida, Terry decided to run for the seat. The fact that his opponent removed his name from the competition assured that Terry would be seated on the board on January 1, 2016.
Beverley Manor District residents will have a hometown supervisor who was born and raised in Verona, works in Verona, and lives in Verona. It’s difficult to think of anyone who knows the district better.
There are few people you can wholeheartedly get behind when it comes to endorsements. I’m happy to say Terry is one of the few, and LynnRMitchell.com is happy to endorse him as supervisor for the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County.
Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
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