Alderman Kelley switches to the Republican Party (Maryland)

The Capital ^ | 2/22/05 | Jeff Horseman

[LdSentinal]

Annapolis Alderman George O. Kelley Sr. switched to the Republican Party yesterday, much to the delight of GOP officials eager to prove their inclusiveness.

The Ward 4 alderman, frequently mentioned as a possible challenger to Mayor Ellen O. Moyer next fall, received several warm embraces from Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele during an afternoon news conference at Maryland Republican Party headquarters on West Street.

Mr. Kelley, a 48-year-old retired police officer, wouldn't commit to running against Ms. Moyer, saying only that he has "options." He said he switched parties because the Republicans more closely match his priorities, including promoting economic development, limited government and public safety.

"The Republican Party and (Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.) support these core values," said Mr. Kelley, who is in his first four-year term.

Ms. Moyer reacted to the defection of her one-time Democratic ally by calling for unity and cooperation as Annapolis prepares to elect a new City Council in November.

"I hope he finds a political home," Ms. Moyer said. "We've got nine more months to work together with public service at the top of the agenda and political aspirations hopefully at the bottom."

Describing himself as a lifelong Democrat, Mr. Kelley said he considered making the switch for several years and reached the decision after a lot of soul searching with his wife, Wanda.

The long-rumored switch gives the Republicans a third seat on the nine-member council. Mr. Kelley's decision came after more than a year of discussions between the alderman and local Republicans.

Mr. Steele even got in on the lobbying. The two faced each other in a charity fencing match in August 2003, which Mr. Steele won.

"I thought that we had something to offer George," Mr. Steele said, adding that he took the soft-sell approach to converting Mr. Kelley.

"I need to do a little more fencing, clearly," Mr. Steele joked.

He and Maryland GOP Chairman John M. Kane lauded Mr. Kelley's switch as proof of their party's appeal to traditionally Democratic-leaning minority voters and desire to include a variety of voices.

"We know what we are," Mr. Steele said. "A party concerned about people."

In a statement, Annapolis Democratic Central Committee Chairman Jeff Collins said the GOP "does not represent the diverse population and citizens of our community."

Mr. Kelley has often coordinated his actions with the council's two other African Americans, Classie G. Hoyle, D-Ward 3, and Cynthia A. Carter, D-Ward 6.

Mrs. Hoyle said Mr. Kelley hadn't discussed his switch with her. But she said she didn't think it would hamper their ability to work together.

In recent months, Mr. Kelley has publicly clashed with Ms. Moyer, saying she failed to adequately staff the police department.

He's also called for a second deputy fire chief position to be filled by a minority and for more diversity in the fire department.

Mr. Kelley didn't think those positions were contrary to the GOP philosophy. "Look at right here," he said, referring to Mr. Steele, the state's first African American lieutenant governor, and Mr. Kane, who is white. "We're talking about inclusion and diversity."

Alderman David H. Cordle Sr., R-Ward 5, said he wouldn't be surprised to see Mr. Kelley run for mayor. Mr. Kelley's run-ins with Ms. Moyer could have played a role in his decision, Mr. Cordle said.

"This is maybe part of the falling out of the falling out," he said.

Mr. Kelley's ward is one of three with an African-American majority.

Democrats account for 64 percent of the ward's registered voters, with Republicans making up 20.5 percent, according to GOP Central Committee Chairman Mike Dye The ward of more than 4,000 stretches from Smithville Street to the north to the Annapolis Overlook to the south. It also includes parts of the Homewood and Newtowne neighborhoods.

Voters in Mr. Kelley's ward had mixed reactions to his defection. Peggy Ramsey of Catlyn Place said she understood. She and her husband were registered Democrats in Texas but have since switched to the GOP.

But Charlie Bare of Copeland Street said he wouldn't vote for Mr. Kelley again. "Whenever a candidate switches (parties), he's selling himself out," he said.

[jmaroneps37]

Watch your step, Maryland rats, things will be getting worse from now on.

[Mr. Jazzy]

"Alderman, Ward Four
George O. Kelley, Sr. (D) ran unopposed in the September 11, 2001 primary and unseated an incumbent in the Ward 4 race during the general election on November 6, 2001.

The Reverend George O. Kelley, Sr. was born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York. As a young child, he always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps, becoming a minister. Later in life, Rev. Kelley learned that God works in mysterious ways. He was first to become a minister in the streets of New York City as a police officer. Rev. Kelley worked in one of the toughest communities in Brooklyn, Bedford-Stuyvesant. It was there that he learned the need for strong partnership between citizens, civic organizations and government to combat crime and social ills.

In 1978, Rev. Kelley was blessed to take as his bride the lovely Wanda Turner. During this twenty-three years of marriage they have raised three children and are now proud grandparents. In December 1988, Rev. Kelley and his wife moved to Annapolis and joined the Annapolis Police Department.

Immediately upon moving to Annapolis, Rev. Kelley founded and pastored The Praise and Deliverance Tabernacle Church in the Clay Street community. It was here where Rev. Kelley continued to realize his dream. But God was still working on Rev. Kelley. During his tenure on the police department, he worked in various units: vice, narcotics, patrol and community policing. As he did his job, many individuals who rode in the back seat of his police vehicle, "got Jesus" before arriving at the police station.

On November 6, 2001, the dream became clearer for Rev. Kelley. God truly, truly works in mysterious ways. According to George O. Kelley, Sr. "It's not important where you minister or how well you minister. Just minister. As long as I'm serving my fellow man, my living is not in vain. I'm living my dream."

Taken from the bio website of the board of elections.

http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/government/council/bios.asp

IMO, this gentleman should never have been a Democrat in the first place.