Mayor Collins Up On The Web

Republic Mayor Jim Collins has just popped up a website for his primary campaign in the 134th legislative district . . . http://jcollins134.org/

The website looks to be in its initial phases, but here's what I found. The homepage talks of the mayor's family and civic work. Collins is the founding pastor of 2 Ozarks churches, and currently serves as a pastor at a Baptist Church in Republic.

He then takes time to boast about his two biggest accomplishments as Mayor of Republic --
the consolidation with Brookline, and becoming a charter city. Collins says, as mayor, he's "overseen unprecedented growth."

On the issues, Collins keeps it simple, but gets tough . . . on meth and illegal immigrants.
Here are 2 bills Collins would like to see passed if elected:

1) Tougher Meth Charges -- Increasing state penalties for meth cookers so they are as tough as the federal standard. He also talks about a "Family Values" initiative, that teaches neighborhoods to spot meth activity.

2) State Fines For Employers -- Collins wants state fines for employers who knowingly hire illegals. Knowingly seems to be the key word there. He also would withdraw any services from illegals besides emergency medical care.

Collins has nothing yet listed under his "Family" or "Supporters" tabs yet.
Although I don't doubt Collins has both.

Collins is challenging Rep. Jim Viebrock for the G.O.P. nomination. Republican Bob Bilyeu is also running, but he doesn't appear to have a website up just yet. Christopher Brown is running for the Democrats, although some are already privately downplaying his chances.

Politicos on both sides of the aisle are beginning to whisper that the 134th could see a surprise primary day, and that Rep. Viebrock is vulnerable.