In addition to being the Spiritual leader (Pastor) of Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church since 1989, Joseph L. Kelley has found the need to give back to his community through public service. Since 2000, he has served as a Commissioner, Vice-Mayor, and Mayor. In 2012, he was elected to a four year term currently serving as the Vice-Mayor. During his time in office, he has led the effort to improve the quality of life for all. Some of his accomplishments include:
• Established the SENIORS ON THE MOVE Program in 2001
• Sponsored initial legislation for the CITY WEBSITE
• Secured funding to bring the LIBRARY back to the City
• Established ongoing CLERGY ROUNDTABLE (faith based initiative)
• Established YOUTH GOVERNMENT DAY (partnership with schools)
• Worked to SECURE 3 MILLION DOLLAR FUNDING for the GYM/POOL Project
• Worked to SECURE INITIAL FUNDING FOR THE HELEN MILLER/SEGAL PARK RECREATION CENTER
• SECURED FUNDING FOR HAITI & LATIN AMERICAN RELIEF
• Secured funding for more PARK & GREEN SPACE AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN PROGRAMS
• Created the FIRST AND ONLY CITY JOBS PROGRAM
• Created a BUSINESS FORUM to help City businesses GROW AND STAY VIABLE
• Worked to SECURE FUNDING FOR THE FREE CITY BUS SERVICE
• Worked to restart the Opa-locka CRIMEWATCH Program
• Sponsored efforts to start the current CITY NEWSPAPER
• Secured funding for the current LIFT STATIONS to improve infrastructure
• Secured funding for NEW POLICE CARS, EQUIPMENT, and to HIRE NEW OFFICERS
• Sponsored initial legislation to start MAGNOLIA AREA IMPROVEMENTS
• Worked to secure funding for PARKS AND GREEN SPACE
Currently, Commissioner Kelley has spearheaded the effort through legislation to address the ongoing unemployment in the city. Through this legislation which has been unanimously passed by the Commission, the city has hired city residents to fix sidewalks and also now requires any contractor to hire city residents through an MOU agreement with South Florida Workforce. This can include training and OJT funding for those who qualify.
Along with being a Husband, Father, and Pastor, he is also a member of several religious and civic organizations and has received numerous awards and recognitions. His involvements include:
• Member, Opa-locka Crime Watch
• Member, Opa-locka Planning Council
• Member, African American Council of Christian Clergy
• MDCPS 5000 Role Models
• Member, Opa-locka CDC Housing Initiative
• Florida General Baptist State Convention
Former Involvements
• South Florida Regional Planning Council
• Miami Dade League of Cities
• Florida League of Cities Finance & Taxation Committee
• Disaster and Relief Committee
• North Dade Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Miami-Dade Beacon Council
• Opa-locka Rotary Club
Recognitions
• Miami-Dade League of Cities President’s Award
• Florida League Recognition Award
• 5000 Role Model Recognition
• Human Services Recognition Award
Commissioner Kelley believes in the philosophy, “God has not blessed you for you to sit down but rather to be a blessing to someone else.”
Commissioner Kelley is a native of Opa-locka. He is the son of Ollie B. Kelley and the late Eddie Kelley. In 1989, he married Tangela Renee’ Mitchell. They are the proud parents of one daughter (Jaliesa, deceased) and one son, Joseph Isaiah. He attended Nathan B. Young Elementary, Westview Middle, North Miami Senior, as well as Miami Dade College and Florida International University.
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