After an unsuccessful run for the Georgia Senate in 2004, real estate agent Toney Collins has decided to give it another go, this time with a run for the state's House of Representatives.
Collins will compete against George Wilson on July 15 for the Democratic nomination.
"I really think that I have something to offer to the people in the 95th District," Collins said. "I believe that I can be a voice of the people here to take back to the state capitol."
If elected Collins said he would focus his efforts on education, healthcare and the economy--three areas where he feels the state is facing the most difficulty.
Collins said he would bring with him to the capitol "honesty, integrity, enthusiasm" and out-of-the-box thinking. He also promised to have an open-door policy for his constituents if elected that would include many town hall meetings and an up-to-date legislative Web site.
"I believe that we have a lot more people that we have to serve that we didn't forecast," Collins said. "Right now people are losing their jobs. We have to change that and I want to do that."
Collins said he would partner with school administrators and work to make sure they are fully-funded. He said he would also support the presence of graduation coaches in all high schools.
He also said he would encourage a light rail system for District 95, which includes parts of Newton, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties. Collins said if transportation gridlock continues it will deter new businesses from locating in the metro Atlanta area.
In addition, he said he would support the creation of more toll roads.
"These will be new roads that will actually be paid for by the people that use those roads," Collins said.
Collins earned a computer engineering degree from Tampa Technical Institute in 1986. He is currently involved in the real estate business. He ran for the state senate's District 43 seat in 2004. Collins has lived in Rockdale County for the last nine years. He is a member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. He has also worked on several environmental cause campaigns in Rockdale County.
