PICKENS COUNTY — Freshman Rep. Neal Collins was successful in his bid for reelection June 14 by winning the Republican primary in Pickens County and by virtue of no opposition in the November General Election, he has high hopes for the county and state during his next term.
Collins’ first term was made up of lessons for the entire state, not just a new representative but definitely a term to learn from.
“There’s a difference between being elected and being re-elected. My first term just happened to be one of the toughest in South Carolina’s history,” Collins said. “We experienced leadership change, a police shooting, the Charleston massacre, a 1,000 year flood, and a contentious two-year road debate. I certainly learned a lot about the political process, our state, our community, my colleagues, and where I can focus my attention.”
As for what his constituents may expect next, Collins was clear as to what his focus would be in his next term.
“My first priority for the next two years is to continue to be the hard working, transparent leader that I have been,” he said. “I will continue to tackle tough issues without pandering on non-issues.”
The now veteran legislator went further than a tag line as to how he planned to do business in Columbia the next two years.
“As to state policy, there are hundreds of important, complex issues from mental health to state pensions. However, our number one goal should be finding a long-term solution to funding our roads,” Collins said. “The longer we wait, the more expensive it is for our people.
“Our second goal should be addressing the educational disparities across our state — the Abbeville decision,” he added. “Again, the longer we continue to allow children to fall through cracks, the more we pay in the future.”
Collins invited residents to keep in contact and follow each legislative session at www.CollinsforSC.com.
