LETTER: Joe Kelly is a good and genuine man

Submitted by Jonathan Alexandre, GHS class of 2020 and former rugby player

For the past several years, I’ve been perplexed by the ever-growing toxic political environment in our country. Not too long ago, Republicans and Democrats could dispute without fear of slander. But now, people are discouraged from talking politics with family, neighbors, coworkers and friends. People go about their lives in fear of being verbally crucified because of how their beliefs may be interpreted. 

Unfortunately, I believe that people overlook one of the most important aspects when voting for someone: their character. Are they honest? Will they hear the people and bring change to the community?  These characteristics are why I’ll be voting for Joe Kelly for State Representative this coming November.

Being Haitian in a predominantly white community allowed for me to live my youth in a very observant way; Greenwich welcomed me with open arms. Many people were kind to me, and only on rare occasions was I not greeted with such hospitality.

From the day I first meant Joe Kelly I knew he was a good genuine man. It was the first day of rugby practice. I had never played the sport before. Being part of a team and trying something I had never done before seemed so overwhelming. However, out of the whole crowd of people he saw me out of the corner of his eye. He saw how flustered I was—without me saying a word—and walked over, looked me in the eyes and, like a mentor, said, “with hard work and perseverance, together we’re going to accomplish great things.” That year we went on to win states for the freshman division. 

Joe is someone who is always going to stand for what he believes in, someone who is honest, and someone who listens. He is someone who is going to be direct and make change for the better; he will get things done. Most importantly, I know in my heart of hearts that Joe is a man of honor and value. May an unfortunate incident ever occur towards me in his presence, he would defend me to no end, not simply because of our outstanding relationship, but because of the characteristics of righteousness and the morals he holds close to his heart, such as honesty, compassion, and most importantly courage. 

 Still inspired by Joe, years after our first meeting, here I stand, supporting him in this coming November election. Despite our differences in political ideology (myself being politically independent), I know he is not only going to do right by his community but he will do everything in his power to help the everyday man.

Jonathan Alexandre

Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor in support of local candidates in the Nov 3, 2020 election may be submitted to [email protected] for consideration beginning July 15 and with a hard deadline of Oct 26, 2020 at noon.