Collins Builds Momentum in Middle Race

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Week by week, door by door, GOP Township Committee Candidate Melanie Collins continues to build momentum toward victory with her message of positive change. Collins has been walking the neighborhoods of Middle Township and listening to the concerns and comments of the voters.
Collins says her message of support for the reform agenda of Tim Donohue and Dan Lockwood is resonating across party lines.
“Regardless of party, we are all taxpayers,” Collins said. “Residents appreciate the effort made by the new majority on Township Committee to keep the municipal levy below the 2011 all-time high for two consecutive years.”
Collins believes this fresh approach appeals to voters after years of unending tax increases.
“My opponent is telling voters we build a better town by raising taxes ‘a little bit’ each year. I guess it all depends on how you define a little bit,” Collins said. “From 2001 to 2011, my opponent’s party raised taxes an average of 11.42 % every year. Double-digit tax increases, year after year, doubling the cost of local government in just seven years. The folks I’m hearing from certainly haven’t seen their budgets double, especially many of our neighbors on fixed incomes. These folks are hurting and they need real relief.”
While Collins shares the new GOP majority’s vision for smart-sized, open and responsive government, she believes her background will bring a unique perspective to Township Committee.
“While I support Mr. Donohue and Mr. Lockwood’s vision, I also believe that I will bring a fresh voice to Township Committee,” Collins asserted. “I believe a woman’s perspective needs to continue to be heard. As the first African American to be nominated by either party for Township Committee, I would bring a new voice of diversity to Town Hall. I believe that in that diversity lies our strength.”
Melanie Collins was raised in Middle Township and graduated from Middle Township High School. Melanie and her husband Mark have made their home here in Dias Creek. Melanie is a high school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. She volunteers her time with the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro and is a member of the Middle Township Zoning Board. Melanie has been nominated by Governor Christie to the Cape May County Board of Taxation.
“I feel the call to serve because I want to help build a brighter future for our kids, right here in Middle Township. I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family,” Collins said. “It’s a new day in Middle Township and my candidacy proves it. We need to continue down the path of lower taxes, and more open and responsive government for all. We can do better. Together we must believe in better, if we are to make Middle Township all it can be. I’m looking forward to getting to work for all of you.”
Paid for by Committee to Elect Melanie Collins, 21 Acorn Lane, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.