Brooke Ellison - Author and Motivational Speaker

Campaign for New York State Senate

In 2006, I ran for New York State Senate, looking to represent my community in New York's 2nd Senate district. On November 7th, 2006, I was surrounded by some of my closest friends and loved ones, and together we watched the election results return. Although the final numbers did not emerge in my favor, the campaign and my involvement in the steps towards greater progress are things for which I feel very proud and very appreciative. In my nearly two years on the campaign, I learned a tremendous amount and was fortunate enough to come into contact with some truly wonderful people. There were many things I hoped to accomplish in my run for state Senate, many issues I believed were especially important to the future of New York State. Irrespective of the result, I would like to share some of these with you.

* Health care/stem cell
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the issues of health care, in general, and stem cell research funding, specifically, are of particular importance to me. These issues sat as a cornerstone of my campaign platform. Especially since the presidential veto of stem cell research funding expansion in July of 2006, I believe that it is now incumbent upon state legislatures to help promote this research at the state level. I held, and continue to hold, that belief for New York State. Stem cell research is ethical and life-embracing in every way, and can potentially benefit every single one of our lives. It is that important.

Stem cell research is one component of a broader health-care focus. As I know and understand far too well the role that progressive and quality health care plays in so many lives, it is a cause and a responsibility to fight for. Increasing access to health care coverage, promoting the presence of community-based care, and protecting our friends and family members as they become seniors, are all achievements I look forward to seeing transpire.

* Education
I am the proud beneficiary of a wonderful public education, and that right needs to be afforded to our future, as well. If we aren't investing in our children, in our future, then we are investing in the wrong things. We have to look at education as a holistic and organic process, with acknowledgment of all types of talent and ability. Though no child should be left behind, as a society we need to make sure that existing policies aren't doing just that, leaving certain children with unique abilities and skills behind. As children spend much of their lives in the classroom, as much care needs to be given to children in that setting as anywhere else-from educational needs, creative outlets, safety, nutritional protections, and unequivocal encouragement. With smaller class sizes, longer and more productive school hours, investment in the arts, investment in technological advancements, and nutritional oversight, we can help make sure that children can reach their potential. All children deserve this, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure it.

* Housing and planning
As the population grows, development continues, and available space continues to dwindle, we need to be planning in a much better and smarter way. Development cannot continue in the direction it has for so long, and we must be looking to ways that allow for affordability for young people and citizens of various economic situations. We must be looking to ways that do not continue to threaten the environment that we all love. We have to look at revitalization, using existing yet underutilized developments, and planning with the future in mind.

I hope that, through my run for state Senate, I may have helped bring about a more responsive and accountable government, one that is more aware of what needs to be done for the future.

Feel free to download printable, PDF version of my campaign mailers below, in addition to all of my television spots.

Download PDF files of Campaign Mailers
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Stem Cell Research Mailer

Brooke Ellison Endorsment Mailer

"Normal Life" Mailer

All television spots were done by Jimmy Siegel and Crew Cuts
All mail pieces were done by Mission Control LLC