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Collier seeks seat on Milton Town Council

Delaware native touts unique qualifications
December 19, 2012

John Collier has thrown his hat into the ring to vie for a seat on Milton Town Council.

The Delaware native is seeking one of two seats up for election in the Saturday, March 2, election. At least one seat will be open this year, as Councilman Norman Lester said he will not seek another term on council. Councilwoman Leah Betts' seat is also up for election this spring.

Collier said he has unique qualifications for the job.

“I think I have something to offer the council as a whole,” he said. “Everybody on council has their area that they're familiar with and comfortable with. I feel I could complement the council.”

Collier has worked for the Delaware Department of Transportation for more than 37 years and, he said, his job as well as training in surveying technologies will aid him in various public works, streets and sidewalks and engineering-related issues.

“There is nobody on council at this time that is as well versed in it as I may be,” he said.

Collier is the the chairman of the recently formed charter and ordinance committee, which has been tasked to offer recommendations that would iron out existing or potential problems and loopholes to align the charter and town code. He calls himself a “student of the charter and ordinances,” and would like to continue working to update both areas.

No stranger to the microphone during public participation at town council meetings, Collier said he often brings up charter and ordinance issues.

“I've brought forth quite a few issues,” he said. “Some of them impact me directly; others I just felt needed to be brought to the forefront.”

Collier moved to Milton in 2001 from Rehoboth Beach and is a native of Kent County. He previously chaired the board of adjustment and historic preservation committees. He was also a member of the comprehensive development plan committee and has volunteered countless hours with the Milton Garden Club and Milton Historical Society. He is a current member of the Milton Lions Club and is often seen driving the children's Clipper Express train in Memorial Park.

Collier unsuccessfully ran for council in 2006 and 2008, missing a council seat by just four votes in 2006.

Collier said his decades of experience as a public servant is an important attribute.

“Public service is very important because with that comes accountability,” he said. “I understand that lends itself to [the thinking] of other candidates, but that is important to me.”

 

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The deadline for residents interested in running for mayor or town council is 4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31. To be eligible to run, residents must be a citizen of the United States and a qualified elector in the Town of Milton for at least one year prior to March 2, 2013. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and cannot have been convicted of a felony. For more information, call town hall at 302-684-4110.

The voter registration deadline is 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1. Eligible residents may register at Town Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents may also register Saturdays Jan. 19 and Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. To be eligible to vote, residents must be a U.S. citizen, a primary resident of Milton for at least 60 days, at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions.

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