Former Connersville Mayor Max A. Ellison has filed with the Indiana Election Division in Indianapolis to run for State Senator in District 42.

This currently is Senator Robert Jackman’s seat, which will be vacant due to his retirement next year. Ellison served as Connersville City Councilman from 2000 to 2003 and was elected mayor in 2004, serving until 2008. Ellison also served 5 years on both the Fayette County Area Planning Commission and Board of Zoning appeals prior to running for elected office and served as president on both boards for a number of years.

Ellison, 52, a native of Fayette County, has owned and operated his own small business for 25 years. Ellison earned his Photographic Craftsman degree through the Professional Photographers of America and attended the Winona School of Professional Photography in both Winona Lake, Ind. and the Chicago Illinois schools.

During his 4-year term as mayor, Ellison successfully reduced the city budget by an average of $1 million per year. He was also able to reduce city government by approximately 10 percent through attrition and manpower efficiencies.

“Smaller and a more fiscally accountable government is a must in these economic times. All taxes should and must be reduced, especially property taxes,” he said.

“The average Indiana homeowner is at a breaking point and it’s time that all of those in elected positions do what their constituents are demanding, which is to be as fiscally frugal as elected legislators, as their taxpaying constituents must be back home. Lowering property taxes will be something every candidate will be preaching through the coming primary and general election, but I feel I am the only candidate in District 42 that has a record of successfully accomplishing that in practical application during my time in government by reducing the city’s budget and reducing overhead.”

The candidate said that as a small business man of 25 years he knows the every day struggle small businesses are faced with.

“As an active member of the APC and BZA, I know the importance of proper planning and have a vision for the future. As an elected official I have sometimes ruffled feathers and challenged the status quo of the established and antiquated mindset, but through my time as an appointed or elected official, I have always fought for the average taxpayer,” he added.

A lifetime resident of Connersville, Ellison and the former Renee’ Weaver have been married 34 years. They have two adult children.