Neighborhood Liaison Jack Kelly Resigning from City Post
The neighborhood's link to the mayor's office said he plans to resign sometime next month.
Jack Kelly, the city’s neighborhood liaison in Charlestown, has announced he will resign sometime next month from his position in the mayor's office.
Kelly, a townie, has served for the past five years as the link between residents and the mayor’s office. He has mediated zoning issues, helped residents find homes after a fire displaced them, coordinated public works repairs, fielded calls and complaints on just about every topic and most recently sat in on a string of bike lane meetings.
(Full disclosure: Kelly is also a contributor to Patch.)
Tom Cunha, the chair of the Charlestown Neighborhood Council, praised Kelly's work as the neighborhood liaison.
"Jack's done wonderful things," Cunha said. "He stepped into the job and hit the ground running. I've seen him in people's kitchens trying to solve zoning problems. He's always answered the council's requests to the city and followed up on those requests."
Kelly said that at 30, he would like to pursue other opportunities, namely writing, but said he had no definite plans.
Kelly said he prided himself on being accessible to residents.
“I like e-mail, and nobody texts more than I do," he said, “but when it comes to this work, I think it’s important that people see a face of the government.”
Kelly, a recovering drug addict, has also strived to reduce drug use in the neighborhood.
“I come from that world,” he said, “so it’s very personal to me."
He serves on the boards of the Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition and Charlestown Against Drugs and said he was proud to have been involved in the opening of the Charlestown Recovery House.
“The best thing that I hope happens out of the work that I’ve done,” he said, “is for some kid who is thinking about giving up to see that I’ve been able to accomplish this and see that they have a chance to have a great life.”
The mayor's office did not respond to a request for a comment. It's unclear how quickly Kelly's position will be filled, or when the mayor will begin the search for a candidate.
Kelly will continue his work through the Bunker Hill Day festivities.
"He really did well in the job," Cunha said. "And he'll be missed. Those are big shoes to fill."
Donna O'Brien
12:09 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
I am an unabashed Jack Kelly fan, so let's get that out of the way. Jack has worked tirelessly as the Mayor's liaison and has truly been an agent of change. He has consistenly delivered for the neighborhood we all love to call home. As Chair of the Democratic Ward Committee, Jack recently revamped the committee to include good Democrats from every corner of Charlestown. I applaud him for reaching out to everyone to make certain we are an inclusive DWC. Finally, Jack is one of the good guys. He's hardworking, loyal and kind. He's a man of his word and we'll all miss him. All the best, Jack.
Diane Grant
1:33 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Jack! say it ain't so! you will be missed. I am thrilled that you are going to pursue writing, you have a real talent for it, and a great point of view. Best of luck honey!
Councilor Sal LaMattina
1:40 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
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Councilor Sal LaMattina
1:50 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
I want to take this opportunity to thank Jack for his committment and dedication to Charlestown. I have been working with Jack since his appointment and will miss working him in that position. In the four years that Jack served as the Neighborhhood Liaison I have seen him grow to a fine young leader. I know that Jack will continue to be involved in the neighborhood and I look forward in working with him in the future. I am proud of Jack and I know that there is a bright future ahead for him.
Deb Stevens
1:56 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011
Jack Kelly ~ you're one of my favorites! Always will be ~
Deb Stevens
John White
1:04 am on Friday, May 13, 2011
Jack, you were a great asset to the community. Your dedication to work as well as towards making our community a better place, will never be forgotten. Outstanding job and I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavours.
John White
Kenneth Stone
10:14 pm on Friday, May 13, 2011
Jack Kelly was always helpful with solving issues or problems and it didn't matter if you were born here or moved here recently. Good luck Jack
Ken Stone
Michael Kelly
12:30 am on Saturday, May 14, 2011
Jack you put your heart and soul into the community. I've seen you leave your house at midnight to respond to a fire to make sure those people had a place to stay at night. You gave Charlestown a strong voice and most importantly you gave people who didn't have a voice an even stronger one. Let's remember Jack for fielding the issues in the neighborhood non stop for Five years, lets remember him for 60 hour work weeks and most of all lets remember that he gave nothing but 100 percent every day.
Jimmy Kane
9:23 am on Saturday, May 14, 2011
Jack thank you for helping me I have a lot of respect for your growth as I watched you grow up into a fine young man your future is that the Sky is the limit. Thank you again Jack I could not have done it with out you .Your dedication to our town is what its all about people helping people Good Luck Jack...
PattyK
9:04 am on Monday, May 16, 2011
Jack, we'll miss you at our beck and call. The sky's the limit of opportunity in your future. Good luck! love Patty K