Blog

  1. My SlutWalk Speech

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    In August, a wonderful woman named Samantha Wright who worked for me at NARAL and volunteered tirelessly on my campaign asked me to speak at an event she was organizing in DC. It was sure to draw a huge crowd (and it did!) and get a lot of media attention. Samantha was organizing SlutWalk DC in order to take a stand sexual assault and against victim blaming. I had to stand with her. Some of my political advisors suggested keeping a low profile about this event, because it has been controversial within the feminist community. While I understood their concerns, I just had to go with my gut.  I am so glad I did. My experience speaking at SlutWalk was both liberating and empowering. I was inspired by the other speakers, and the attendees of all ages who have had enough with a culture that blames victims of sexual violence. Since I spoke at the event, I have been tremendously humbled by the people who have reached out to me, and thanked me for speaking up.   This i…

  2. April 12th End of Session Update!

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    Thank you for the privilege of representing you as a District 16 State Delegate to Maryland's General Assembly. I wanted to offer a brief overview of the recently concluded 2011 legislative session. I am proud of the progress we made to advance a strong economy, secure families, and safe and healthy environments. Here's a brief summary of where we stand today:  The State Budget While we faced a daunting structural budget deficit of $2 billion at the start of the session, we were able to pass a responsibly balanced budget that protects key services for Marylanders while reducing the structural deficit by 42 percent, and retaining $730 Million in cash reserves. Maryland also maintains its triple-A bond rating despite the recession, making ours only one of eight states with that status. Of particular interest for our district, I passed a bill to secure funding for the Jewish Social Service Agency to enable them to increase their capacity for serving our eld…

  3. Marriage Equality Update

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    I am a strong supporter of the marriage equality bill. I am doing everything I can in front of the cameras and behind-the-scenes to ensure its swift passage. This legislation passed the Senate last week and has moved onto the house, where it has hit some road bumps.  While equality advocates are frustrated with the delay of he vote, we are also hopeful. Every day I speak with undecided colleagues on this issue -- people of goodwill who want to do what's right. Sure, we have a few bad apples who are interested in perpetuating hatred and shame, or forcing the will of their church on the whole state, but the vast majority of my colleagues are good, decent people who care about what is best for their constituents.   I think with continued colleague to colleague conversations and more feedback from real constituents (to counter the bombardment from out-of-state anti gay rights groups) we will get there. Stay tuned....

  4. Update on Pepco

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    I have been without power since Wednesday evening.  As of Friday afternoon, I am one of 61,000 Montgomery County residents still without power.We all understand that power interruptions will occur, even with the best performing public utilities. But Pepco is not among the best utilities. In fact, it is one of the worst performing utilities in the country. There are several legislative possibilities being explored at the moment aimed at improving Pepco's performance. One is the Governor's bill that I will be co-sponsoring to establish financial penalties for electric utilities that fail to meet reliability standards. These penalties would be credited directly back to consumers. This is the legislation that has been in the works since the outages this last summer. I am also working with colleagues on another more aggressive bill that would go even further to hold Pepco accountable. The specifics are still under construction.What has become clear is that Pepco is not pro…

  5. The New Digs, Receptions & Swearing In...

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    Session starts today, and things are already hopping! My Legislative Aide and I have finally moved into our new office in Annapolis, which we will be sharing with my friend Delegate Tom Hucker from Silver Spring. It's in Room 210 of the Lowe House Office Building. I hope you will come visit us during the Legislative Session, and bring your challenges and great ideas with you.   My husband is back at home getting the kids all cleaned up for the swearing-in photo-op with the Speaker of the House Mike Busch. This is a big moment for my whole family, who have sacrificed so much for this campaign. I am hoping 3 year old Leo will stand still long enough to smile for the camera as I am sworn-in.  I have no doubt 6-year old Maeve will comply. She has gotten used to this type of thing after the long campaign. My hope for Maeve is that she remembers this day, and keeps dreaming big for herself. Last week she told me she would like to run for office one day. But, no of…

  6. Thank you from Ariana and her Family

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    Thank you to the residents of District 16 for electing me to be your new Delegate. I will do my best to serve you responsibly and with integrity. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or needs you have. Ariana  

  7. Our Fundraiser with Governor O'Malley

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    Ariana's campaign chair Rosalyn Levy Jonas and her husband Gary Jonas hosted a spectacular event for the Ariana Kelly for Delegate Campaign. Here's some of the photos:  Rosalyn Levy Jonas, Governor O'Malley, and Ariana Kelly Ariana with campaign volunteer Muta Mutambo, and his little sister. Ariana and her District 16 Democratic Teammates with the Governor. Some of the crowd. Ariana with retired D16 Delegate Bill Bronrott, who is now serving President Obama in the Department of Transportation. The Governor addresses the crowd. Ariana with one of her most interesting soon-to-be constituents,  Attorney General Doug Gansler.

  8. The Time is Finally Here!

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      Early voting starts TODAY, October 22nd!Please consider casting your vote early for Governor O'Malley, and the all-star District 16 Democratic Team of Senator Brian Frosh, Delegate Bill Frick, Delegate Susan Lee, and of course, Delegate Nominee Ariana Kelly. Voter turnout will determine if I am elected, and if our Governor is re-elected. We need you to show up and vote, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.Early voting is a great way to avoid lines at the polls, vote at a time that is convenient for you, and maybe even clear your schedule to volunteer with team Kelly and the District 16 Democrats on Election Day, November 2nd. If your kids are in MCPS, voting early will free you to take a long weekend away without rushing home to vote (since schools are closed on Monday November 1 and on election day November 2). I took my three year old son Leo with me to early vote in the primary, and was incredibly impressed with how easy it was. No lines, no …

  9. Joining the District 16 Democratic Team

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    It has been one month since my primary win, and the general election is nearly here. (Early voting starts this Friday!) I am honored that the District 16 Legislative Team has invited me to join their campaign for the general election.  Senator Brian Frosh, Delegate Susan Lee, and Delegate Bill Frick are our incumbent representatives in Annapolis, and they do a wonderful job.  Together we have formed the District 16 Democratic Team. In addition to great photos, you will also be seeing signs, mail, and leaflets with all of our names on them.  We’re enjoying working cooperatively to win election – which means you know we will also effectively work together to serve you in Annapolis. But first, we need your votes! If you can, please early vote at one of the early vote locations listed here.  If you can’t do that, we’re counting on seeing you at the polls on November 2.  

  10. A Special Thank You

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    Here in Maryland's District 16, we truly are lucky. I am one of eleven extraordinary candidates who ran for the open House of Delegates seat. Although I came out the Democratic nominee (along with Delegates Bill Frick and Susan Lee), the other candidates and their hardworking teams all contributed wonderful ideas, experience and and enthusiasm to this exciting race. I am so pleased that we will all be moving forward together as friends and fellow Democrats. Pictured: Some of the 13 D16 candidates after election results came in, L to R, Craig Herskowitz, Bill Farley, Del. Bill Frick, Scott Goldberg, Ariana Kelly, Peter Dennis, Del. Susan Lee, Kyle Lierman, Hrant Jamgochian. Missed the photo but there in spirit: Mark Winston, Michael Sriqui, Charlie Chester, and John Adams. The other candidates and I have spent the last few days sharing hugs and tales from the campaign trail. I am overwhelmed by the generosity I have received from my former "opponents" and the…