Reform. Restore. Revitalize.
A fresh start and a clear vision for the future of Martin, Tennessee.
Plank One
Reform
Our Government
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Put Citizens First
Transform city committees into citizen-run enterprises staffed by local residents and business owners.
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Forge Strategic Partnerships
Connect with Weakley County, local business and industry, and UTM to pool resources and grow the economy.
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Complete Transparency
Launch an online dashboard for real-time tracking of budgets, zoning, calendar activities, and city contracts.
Plank Two
Restore
Our Community
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Fiscal Responsibility
Eliminate state Comptroller oversight, significantly reduce debt, and create capital reserves.
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Essential Infrastructure
Resurface more aging streets and upgrade core stormwater, sewer, and utility grids.
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Support City Employees
Offer predictable cost-of-living adjustments and merit-based compensation, plus new work/life benefits.
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Uncompromising Integrity
Institute zero-tolerance HR rules and reinstate the nepotism policy.
Plank Three
Revitalize
Our Economy
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The Most Business-Friendly City in West Tennessee
Cut red tape, streamline the permit process, and reduce developer waiting times.
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Housing & Core Growth
Expand affordable housing options, revive downtown Martin, and put the historic Weldon Building to use.
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The Most Vibrant College Town in West Tennessee
Rebuild the "town-gown" relationship with UTM to retain talent, capitalize on research, and power commerce.
About Kent
Dr. Kent Kelso has spent more than 35 years in higher education leadership, holding roles from Dean of Students to Vice Chancellor at institutions across the country, including Pittsburg State, the University of Wyoming, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of South Florida. He came to UTM as Chair of Educational Studies and now directs the university's Master's program in Higher Education Leadership.
He's led before at the ballot box, too. In 2005, Kent was elected to the city council of Independence, Kentucky, where he helped build a strategic vision that took the city from 15,000 residents to 30,000. He's brought that same approach to strategic planning work with cities, universities, and nonprofits ever since.
Kent and his wife Tamara, also a career higher-education professional, have called Martin home. They have two sons, Kaeden and Kellan, and Kent's outside interests run to reading, golf, history, and genealogy — a fitting hobby for a historian by training. His approach to leadership is straightforward: listen first, communicate clearly, and serve the community that put its trust in him.
"It is time to build a local government as honest, hardworking, and decent as the people it represents."
Join the Movement
Get In Touch
Have a question, an idea, or want to get involved? Send Kent a message.
kent@kelsoformartin.com