Tracy Kelley Announces Candidacy for Mashpee Select Board

Nothing Beats a Mashpee Sunset!

Pledging Commitment to Clean Water, Equitable Housing, Environmental Protection, Behavioral Health Advocacy, and Intergenerational Inclusivity

Commitments of Tracy Kelley's Campaign

The cornerstone of Ms. Kelley’s campaign is a pledge to prioritize the intersection of water quality and equitable housing. She will advocate for clean water initiatives and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas. "Preserving our natural resources is fundamental to the health and well-being of our community and the generations that will inherit Mashpee in whatever condition we leave it.  I am dedicated to implementing new measures and adhering to existing ones that safeguard our environment for generations to come.  In my leadership roles where organizations placed a great deal of trust in me and my educational institutions that provided a broad array of skills, I learned the importance of researching, analyzing, and collaboratively addressing complex issues—this applies to our housing and environmental situation. We can’t simply build our way out of this. We need to look at models that have worked and apply these to the unique situation of Mashpee where most of our land is environmentally sensitive.”

Ms. Kelley commits to prioritize equitable housing options that reflect Mashpee's diverse needs. "Our home is a tapestry of rich history, breathtaking landscape, and vibrant culture. It has been my home, my grandparents’ home, and their grandparents’ home and so on. Now comes the time to be not only vocal, but also to take action to ensure that our home is sustained for future generations.  I’ve seen so many of my peers priced out of town and I also experienced this.  When I finished grad school I couldn’t afford to buy a home in Mashpee and was left with no choice but to live in another town," Tracy stated. “I'm committed to ensuring that our development strategies honor Mashpee character, while providing accessible housing solutions for all of our residents across age and income demographics." 

Tracy has long been an advocate for behavioral health and plans to prioritize local initiatives, recognizing the critical need for increased resources and support. “Behavioral health is a cornerstone of community wellness. I will work tirelessly at a local level to ensure that Mashpee residents of all ages have access to more resources and supports.  Residents needing access to behavioral health services may confront 9 or even 12-month waitlists to access mental health professionals. Mental health crises don’t have 9 to 12 months for supports and services and the stark reality is sometimes it’s a matter of someone’s life," Ms. Kelley said.

Rooted in the belief that an inclusive future is shaped by open and respectful dialogue, Ms. Kelley is committed to fostering connections across all generations. "Our future relies on bridging gaps and understanding one another. Perspectives that are shared respectfully and heard transparently across generations will create a sustainable and inclusive future," Ms. Kelley emphasized. As a parent of a child in Mashpee Public Schools, she is committed to support and enhance our schools and address the issues of our seniors to ensure the concerns of all ages are addressed by the Select Board.

Ms. Kelley brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the Select Board with a more than 20-year career in the nonprofit sector in various leadership roles. She started with a solid foundation as a Mashpee Middle High School graduate that was further strengthened with Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her career has focused primarily on community engagement for public health work such as youth development, health equity, and community-driven approaches to wellness. More than 10 of those years have been in management roles for projects, both large and small, and include experience with grant writing, budgeting, and contracts while managing teams and individuals with many different leadership styles. She plans to be a strong voice on Select Board as Mashpee’s Select Board will benefit from these experiences.

The Power of Grassroots Support

Get Involved! The momentum is building - If you want to be a part of this exciting movement and contribute to the future of Mashpee, there are several ways to get involved:

• Attend campaign events to learn more and show your support.

• Volunteer your time and skills to help spread the message.

• Share information about the campaign with your friends and neighbors.

The upcoming election for the Mashpee Select Board is a crucial moment for our town's future and your voice matters.

By electing Tracy Kelley, we have the opportunity to shape the future of Mashpee and create a more vibrant and inclusive community for all residents. Join us in supporting Tracy Kelley for Mashpee Select Board, and together, let's make a genuine difference.