WINTERPORT — Local healthcare professional and consultant Kevin Kelley, a Republican, has announced he is running for the District 37 seat in the Maine House of Representatives.

The district, under new redistricting, represents Prospect, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Winterport, and part of Frankfort.

“Maine needs to move forward in a direction that meets the needs of everyday citizens, not national agendas or special interests,” said Kelley. “Our citizen legislature has become less in tune with working people, families, and retirees. As a long-time commuter, I know firsthand what the effect of increasing fuel prices on family budgets and our quality of life.”

He is a professional with over 30 years of experience in healthcare services, and noted in a press release he recognizes what it means to own a business as a co-owner of a small consulting firm that specializes in ambulatory medical and dental practices.

The news release noted Kelley is an in-depth knowledge of finance, operations, and information technology (IT). A retired mustang officer, Kelley served in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a I.T Officer at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.

“My healthcare experience and consumer-oriented perspective will be applied to making health care more accessible and affordable for Maine families,” he added. “That, combined with lower taxes and an improved business climate, will help Maine attract the talented young people we need to ensure the quality of life of our elderly population. If elected leaders spend more time listening to the people they represent, we can create a better future for everyone.”

Kelley was elected in July to the Winterport Town Council and has served on the Town’s Broadband, Ambulance and Conservation Committees.

Kelley earned a master’s degree in business administration from Husson College after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from SUNY, and completed the Senior Executive Training Program at MIT/Sloan.