Nicholas Collins
I am running for the position of 5th Ward Supervisor in the City of Glens Falls. I have submitted the required signatures and will be on the November ballot. I have the endorsement of the Glens Falls Republican Committee.
I am 66 years young. I moved to the area in 1988. I have resided in the 5th ward for more than 20 years. I retired from the New York State Department of Transportation in 2020. I managed the statewide Roadside Inspection Program for the Commercial Carrier Safety Bureau.
Since my positions during my career were Federally funded, I was unable to participate in the political system as the Hatch act was always a concern. After retiring I volunteered on Elise Stefanik’s campaigns in 2020 and 2022. In July of 2021 I became a rideshare driver for UBER and LYFT. Driving has allowed me to meet and talk to people from the area who are at different places and circumstances in life.
As representative to the county, I would watch out for the taxpayers in the 5th Ward to ensure their money is being used responsibly and to keep tax increases if necessary to a minimum.
I would like to see more affordable housing for workers who make the city and county their home. In my first 21 years with the department of Transportation, I inspected commercial buses as well as private and public school buses and their maintenance programs. I feel there is a need for better transportation opportunities within the city and county.
After watching the presentation on what it would take for CDTA to take over GGFT operations, I doubt the county would give up part of its mortgage tax revenue being 3 to 4 times higher than the local contributions to GGFT.
Unfortunately, it appears the mayor wants to get out of the transportation business rather than make the hard choices to keep and improve mass transit in our community. I think at the county level something will have to be done.
I also support public safety and feel preserving the Glens Falls Police Department is paramount and leave the Sheriff’s department to its current duties. I believe in an “all of the above” as far as energy production and use. People should be able to choose what they heat their homes and businesses with and what kind of vehicle they drive. I have been a member of Pine Knolls Alliance Church and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks for over 30 years.