(Cedartown) – Dozens of business, political and community leaders from all across Polk County and the 16th House District joined to support Trey Kelley at the West Cinema Theater in downtown Cedartown as he announced his candidacy as a Republican candidate for state House of Representatives.

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Rick Crawford currently holds the seat.

Kelley thanked his supporters, “after encouragement by community leaders and much thoughtful prayer, I have decided to pursue this office because a strong work ethic and hands-on leadership is what is needed in District 16.”

The newly redrawn 16th District encompasses all of Polk County as well as portions of Bartow and Haralson County.

“I love this part of the state and have a desire to see it reinvigorated with growth and jobs,” said Kelley.

While laying out his plan for growth, Kelley said, “I think we must focus our efforts on bringing jobs back to northwest Georgia. Our local leaders have done a good job of creating a favorable business environment for potential employers, but we must work at the state level as well to implement aggressive tax incentive programs so Georgians aren’t losing jobs to our neighboring states. Along with a pro business climate, we must work to find innovative opportunities within our education system so we will have a viable work force educated for the needs of companies looking to locate in Northwest Georgia. Further, providing a desirable quality of life standard many people seek when determining where to live – including recreational opportunities and strong public safety resources to help cut the crime rate.”

Kelley also released a list of supporters of his campaign, which started just today. The list of supporters include:

Matt Ramsey, State RepresentativeJason Ward, Polk County CommissionerDanny Hutcheson, Haralson County CoronerAllen Poole, Haralson County Commission ChairmanKen Suffridge, Mayor of AragonHoward Maxwell, State Representative Scotty Tillery, Cedartown City Commission, Susan Berry, Polk County School Board Member, Eric Robinson, Haralson County Commissioner,

Jimmy Lester, John Clark, Jacquie Peterson, Roger Waldrop, Jerry Shearin, Larry Dooley, Frank Burgess, Debra Nelson, Rick Hall, Larry Tolbert, Doc Ayers, Vern Miller, Tyler Smith, John Ragland, Tommy Engram, Gary McBride, Jane Wyatt, Mike York, John Ragland, Sara Brown, Doyle Kelley, Andrew Roper and the list grows by the minute.

Since deciding to enter the race, Kelley has been humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity his campaign has received. The campaign has already begun an aggressive grassroots campaign through his steering committee and obtaining the endorsement of many local officials. His supporters include elected officials, community leaders, Attorneys, Preachers and other various leaders of the local business community. These local leaders have pledged their support to Kelley’s campaign and do all they can to help him get elected.

Trey is the son of Doyle and Laura Kelley, both educators in the Polk County School District, and is a Graduate of Shorter University. He is currently employed at W.C. Brooks Co. Manufacturer’s Representative Agency, where he heads up special projects and marketing for the firm.

He attends Georgia State University School of Law where he is pursuing his Juris Doctorate. Trey and his wife, Amy attend First Baptist Church in Cedartown. Kelley has held multiple leadership roles within his community such as President of the Cedartown Exchange Club and as the current Chairman of the Polk County Republican Party.

To get involved or find out more information about the campaign, visit www.KelleyforHouse.com