Campaign Blog

First thing's first.

I want to thank EVERYONE who supported this campaign and encouraged us to move forward and practice this process called democracy. I'm sure I'll have more later to add when I can catch my breath.

I also want to congratulate Senator Saland on his victory. I am appreciative that we both ran a clean race and focused on issues and policy.

The future? We all need to keep pressing our legislature in Albany to:

- Open our government be reponsive to people, not special interest money.

- Deliver on REAL property tax relief.

- Secure Health Care Security for all New Yorkers.

We have plenty of work to do tomorrow, but for today, thank you.

It's time to practice this thing called Democracy. We've done our part. Please do yours.

VOTE.

My Best, Brian

Eliot Spitzer, the next Governor of the Great State of New York, came to Fishkill on Tuesday to campaign with Brian and Congressional candidate John Hall. Spitzer, who has endorsed Brian, had this to say about Brian:

“I look forward to working with Brian in Albany,” Spitzer said. “From day one of our administration, the Spitzer/Paterson/Keeler team will work for real reform; transforming state government for the better every step of the way.”

Brian added:

“We are pleased to be working with Eliot. Together we can create a NEW Team, for a NEW vision of the future, for a NEW sense of hope and a NEW New York.”

Brian spoke at a rally for John Hall on Wednesday that also featured an appearance by Senator Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton, who has endorsed Brian, had this to say about Brian's candidacy:

"Brian Keeler is a rising star in the New York State Democratic Party, and Dutchess and Columbia Counties will be well served in Albany by his vision, energy and ideas," Senator Clinton said. "We look forward to partnering with Brian in the years ahead to bring open government, accountability and fiscal responsibility to Albany and Washington."

Here's video of his speech:

For the past couple of months I have spent at least a few very early mornings each week on train platforms introducing myself to the commuters of the 41st District. I have met thousands of citizens at stations in Poughkeepsie, Beacon and New Hamburg. Honestly, it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of the entire campaign.

I recently received an excellent letter from a commuter I had the pleasure to meet all too briefly on the platform in Poughkeepsie. The letter contains some really excellent and thoughtful questions, questions that deserve answers.

With the the author's gracious permission, I have reprinted that letter with my answers here on our campaign website so that those who may have similar questions can benefit as well.

Saw you at the Poughkeepsie Train Station this morning... was in too much of a dash to catch the train to stop and speak with you directly.

Many people are in a hurry early in the AM. Thanks for taking the time to read our material.

I hear all this talk about how we have a tax crisis - property and school taxes combined. But what are your plans to do something about it?

At the moment, we have a 19th Century education funding system supporting a 21st Century education system. We fund our schools with a property tax which no longer is an indication of wealth or income. Therefore, many people who have homes that are now worth many times the value of their initial cost can’t afford their exploding property tax bills. We need to switch to a funding system that is based upon the ability to pay (income tax). We need to do it now.

At 30 years of age, I have yet to find myself trusting my vote when it comes time to hit the polls.

So sad and I know you would agree. So what can you tell me - and everyone for that matter, that would help me trust that my vote for you will help address and resolve our tax crisis?

I give you my pledge. I recently signed the F.A.S.T (Fix Albany School Tax) Pledge where I pledged to to FAST-track solutions to this extremely complex and serious problem. I have pledged to hold town hall meetings looking for the input of the citizens of the 41st District. What I have pledged to do is to tackle the problem from day one, to look for new solutions and new thinking, and to quit punting this problem down the road. Our children as well as the taxpayers of New York deserve nothing less than a comprehensive set of solutions ASAP.

On Tuesday October 24, 2006, Brian received the endorsement of Hopewell Junction Citizens For Clean Water. This was the statement issued by Debra Hall, a founder of the organization and concerned resident of the Hopewell Precision Superfund Site:

By Debra Hall, Hopewell Junction Citizens for Clean Water

www.Hopewell-Junction-Citizens-for-Clean-Water.org

Hopewell resident, Brian Keeler is running for State Senator against the 26 year Republican incumbent, Steven Saland. When elected, Mr. Keeler will be an effective Senator, representing our interests rather than protecting special interests and corporate contributors.

Every New Yorker should be guaranteed clean, safe, potable water. We need a Senator that will protect this most basic human health issue and Brian Keeler supports mandatory well water testing, “We cannot afford to have a well water policy dependent on people becoming sick before the problem is investigated. The safety of our drinking water should not be optional.”

Twenty-five local and statewide environmental groups wrote to Saland, asking him to support a State wide well water testing bill similar to the bill which passed unanimously in the Assembly. Saland would not, instead, opting for a voluntary testing program. In Saland’s plan only the neighborhoods with contaminated water would require testing.

The rest of the statement and video of the press conference can be found in the extended entry

Read the rest of this entry...

Brian debated Incumbent state senator Steve Saland on Cablevision October 16, 2006. Here are the first two parts of excerpts from that debate.

Brian debated Incumbent state senator Steve Saland on Cablevision October 16, 2006. Here are the last two parts of excerpts from that debate.