District 11 Candidate: Will Kennelly, Republican/Conservative (Updated)

District 11 Republican and Conservative candidate Walter “Will” Kennelly has been a Clarkstown resident since age 5, with his wife Donna having been a resident since she was 15. Kennelly has lived in Congers with his wife Donna and raised his 3 daughters, ages 34, 32 and 26. Kennelly had a “long and distinguished career” as a police officer – starting off in the 46 Precinct in the Bronx, then joining the Terrorist Task Force where he was part of a team that investigated and apprehended one of the domestic terrorists involved in the Rockland Brinks Armored car robbery, while finishing in Manhattan South Homicide Division, retiring as a Detective 3rd
grade.

Kennelly also owned and managed Kennelly’s Grille House, a successful local business for 25 years. This gave him experience in all the challenges of running a small business especially during Covid. These challenges have given him “a unique perspective on issue affecting our residents and overcoming them.”

Kennelly says that one of the main issues facing our County is the influx of Migrants. “This issue affects both our physical safety, the safety of the Migrants and our financial safety. Kennelly states his life experiences in both law enforcement and running a small business have given him the tools to help Rockland County successfully navigate these pressing issues.

In his spare time Kennelly serves on the VMA Board and Sgt of Arms of the NAM Knights and is a member of The Rockland County Shields. He was also honored in 2019 as Clarkstown Republican Businessperson of the Year.
Currently Kennelly is building Kennelly Square at the site of his former restaurant, a “much-needed” senior housing project. This project is scheduled to open early 2024. It consists of 25- 1-bedroom units with priority given to Clarkstown residents.

“As many of you know, Clarkstown has a deficit of senior apartments,” Kennelly said. “Projects like this will help Clarkstown residents age in place and stay in the community they have called home.”

Will’s life experience in his career as a law enforcement officer, a small business owner and his community involvement “give him a unique perspective on issues that are facing our county and insight on how to solve issues and help bring fiscal responsibility to our legislature.”