State and Local Leaders Recall Working with Robert Brown

The news of former State Senator Robert Brown’s death has shocked the community. 41NBC spoke with local leaders who worked closely with him, including former Mayor Jim Marshall, C. Jack Ellis, and Allen Peake. 

“Robert Brown was easily the strongest politician I’ve ever met. He knew what his cards were, felt strongly about them, and played them very strongly. He would not back down, and they were always cards played geared toward people and trying to help people,” said Marshall.

“He was a champion for the people in our community. There was clearly in his core a real passion and a fire for defending those who couldn’t help themselves…he fought for the people he represented,” said Peake.

C. Jack Ellis tells 41NBC, even though they were opponents in the most recent mayoral race, he considers Brown a great politician and man.

“We were political competitors in the last go round, but we were political opponents, not political enemies. I always admired his political tenacity, if you will…and he will be missed in our community,” said Ellis.