Candidates
Gabrielle Kelly
Euclid City Council, Ward 5
Northeast Ohio, Local
In her career as an attorney, Gabrielle has worked closely with municipal governments, experienced the issues they continually manage and understands what is needed to shepherd decisions that are in the best interest of the organization. She is running to help drive transformation within her community and continued success for all. A strong, committed advocate for women, her election would well-position her to support an economy in which Ohio women can prosper and thrive.
Meet the Candidate
Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?
I decided to run for office as the spotlight shining on my city seemed to be focused on many recent negative events. Also, I saw the reaction that friends and colleagues gave me when they found out that I was a resident of Euclid, Ohio. It was then that I decided that I wanted to be deeply involved in the transformation necessary for Euclid’s growth and success. I had never ran for office before and I was very nervous about getting involved. But, I knew that the passion and enthusiasm that I had for the city could be a great asset in effecting change.
Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.
My younger brother, Nicholas Kelly, is a source of strength every day. Despite being born with Cystic Fibrosis and routinely spending a significant amount of time in the hospital, he has the drive and energy to work as a licensed dietician, public speaker, fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and still be accessible to his family and friends.
Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?
As a lawyer, I have had the pleasure of helping others and solving problems when it appeared like there were not any solutions. It is incredibly rewarding to see that you personally made a difference in someone’s life. In my legal practice, I have also seen some of the issues facing local governments and the difficult decisions that have to be made.
The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?
My vision for Euclid is to see more women-owned businesses within the community, and for the number of women in key political roles to continue to increase.
Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?
The top-two issues facing Euclid today are a decrease in funding provided to the city and the safety of residents. I want to expand the diversity of Euclid’s tax base and increase revenue so that one group does not feel burdened. Second, I want residents to not only feel confident that their person and belongings will go unharmed; but, also that any interactions they have with Euclid civil servants will be to their benefit.
Tell us something personal about yourself.
I love to travel and I am currently focused on visiting all 50 states. It is amazing to see the differences in experience in throughout the nation. It’s possible to see a way of life that is completely foreign to you, but only a short drive away.