Kelly Carr is a proven public servant, serving as Marion City Auditor for over 11 years. If re-elected she will continue to fight for safety services in her community by expanding access to drug treatment, healthcare and education. As a mother of a special needs child and a daughter overcame an abusive relationship; and as the primary caregiver of aging parents, Kelly’s experiences uniquely prepare her to advocate for an economy where women can thrive and prosper.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

Raising four daughters is probably the number one reason I chose to run for office. As women we are problem solvers, diplomates, caregivers, role models and financial managers. My life has been in service whether serving my family, volunteering in my community or working in education for 15 years. When the opportunity came for me to serve as an elected official I believed I had the necessary skills to do the job and change our community.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

My children have always been my inspiration. I had a husband who has had major health problems and I knew I had to do everything I could to make sure that I could provide for them with or without him. My mother taught me that you needed to have a good work ethic and I was blessed to have amazing women that were put in my path to mentor and challenge me.

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?

I have been a young mother giving birth to a special needs child. Cared for my grandmother in her last years. I continue to support a husband with major health issues and helped a daughter get out of an abusive relationship and become a successful part of our society. Through my experiences I understand the importance of access to healthcare, education, having a safe environment and the ability to have economic security. I believe all these experiences have made me grow and become a leader. To me it is not just words when I talk about the important issues, I have lived them.

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?

Right now, elected women make up 33% of our City. I would love to see that go up to 50%.I would really like to see us elect a woman Mayor by 2028.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

The opioid crisis is our number one issue. This has caused jail overcrowding and addicts have limited access to treatment programs. Detoxing in jail and sending people back out into their environment without support does not help with recovery. This problem is costing our community’s a lot of money and has created a revolving door.

The second issue is failing infrastructure. This includes blighted and abandoned homes in our neighborhoods.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

Power tools are my friend. I love to do remodeling projects. Taking something apart and making it new is fun! Being creative and doing physical labor is my stress relief. Seeing what you accomplished in the end is the best feeling in the world.