Editor, The Spotlight:
Matthew “Jim” Kelly would make a fine justice for the Town of Bethlehem. Here is why. Approximately 20 years ago he and I started a program to help the poor of Albany County obtain divorces. Jim was instrumental in working weekends to help those of no means. He expanded the program to include bankruptcy services. He served capably and creatively as the president of the Albany County Bar Association and implemented a diversity internship program to introduce minority law students to private practice. All of these programs thrive today thanks to Jim’s continued involvement over the past decades. Jim is no stranger to the courtroom. His trial skills and knowledge of the law have served his clients well in all aspects of litigation and appeals in both the federal and state court systems. A lawyer with such a commitment to the public and knowledge of the law is too rare in our community, and the Town of Bethlehem would be well served by electing him as town justice.
Michael Friedman, Delmar