Kelly will be a tremendous voice for Southern Illinois

“Hope” is not a word that you often hear anymore when it comes to talking about politics or politicians. But the announcement that Brendan Kelly is running for Congress gives me just that: hope.

I have had the privilege of working with State’s Attorney Kelly as a supervisor for the St. Clair County Probation Department and as the council president for the union that represents the officers and staff of that department.

I have known Mr. Kelly to be a tireless public servant and a tough, but fair prosecutor. His integrity and professionalism is unmatched. He has spent his life serving his country and his community. He believes in America. He believes in the law and he truly cares about his fellow citizens. I have seen it first-hand.

I believe Brendan Kelly is exactly the kind of leader we desperately need in Washington. He will make a great congressman and he will be a tremendous voice for southern Illinois.

This story was originally published July 20, 2017 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Kelly will be a tremendous voice for Southern Illinois."