SYRACUSE – Syracuse has a write in candidate for city council.

Tammy Kelch, who grew up in Johnson and has lived in Syracuse for 13 years, is seeking one of two seats available.  Incumbent Orville Gigstad and Wesley Halvorsen are on the ballot, but Kelch hopes voters will add her name.

Kelch: “I would love to see the city continue to grow in businesses and in real estate – people to be able to live here, and grow here, to build homes here and build businesses here. I feel like there are times that there could be growth, but it’s stunted for some reason. I would love to help with that.”

Kelch said her duties as an instructor at Southeast Community College and work in human services and social work gives her experience seeking common goals with adults, adolescents, children and families. She is a licensed mental health provider and substance abuse counselor.

Kelch: “With those degrees I’ve been able to work with people in collaboration and have transparency with everything that is going on, communication, disputes, hard conversations  and real conversations to help keep an environment safe and growing.”

 Tammy Kelch

 

She said the new hospital and investments in the schools gives Syracuse an opportunity to grow and called water and electrical service part of the foundation that a community can build on.

Kelch said she had not filed in time to be on the ballot because she felt that running for city government was something she might do later in life. Friends recently encouraged her not to wait.

Kelch: “As I thought about it a little more, I think it’s actually a perfect time. My kids are at home and can see the process and watch it and learn from it. And I’d love to see Syracuse grow and watch kiddos in our area want to stay in the area.”

To vote for Kelch, a voter will not only have to write her name correctly on the line, but will have to circle the oval entirely.