To the Editor,
I am a candidate running for Tribal District 5, which represents Prospect and Oxendine communities, on Nov. 13. I do not take this responsibility lightly nor do I believe that positive change will happen overnight.
It is my belief that for an individual to vote, he or she must educate themselves about the candidate and know their platform. I have 20 years local government experience and have worked closely with the local Economic Development office in Robeson County to create more than 200 and bring $7 million in through local or state funds.I know that it is time that we create a health-care system that can assist our elderly and disabled.
We must unite and work together for the common good of the people. There are monies available for education scholarship but we must be willing to seek those funds. As a veteran who has served honorably in the military, I have seen firsthand the frustration of the veterans in this area. I am a former member of the State Emergency Response Team. My job was to work with families or communities that were dealing firsthand with crisis while leading a crisis team to New York during 9/11. I witnessed firsthand the devastation of the terrorist attacks. Our local Robesonians — heroes — arrived there on Sept. 13, 2001, and worked tirelessly trying to assist the families of the victims in the aftermath of 9/11.
My concern is to assist our people who are in need, whether it is veterans services, an entrepreneur wanting to create their on business, educational assistance or housing.
Our youth are our future. We must nurture their minds through education and allow them to focus on their dream as well. A local arts program needs to be created that consists of vocal, dance, music and theatre programs.
Don’t vote on Nov. 13 because of who that person may be affiliated with, but vote for the person that can make a positive difference in your community.
Millicent Strickland Collins
District 5 candidate
Lumbee Tribal Council
Ms. Collins holds two degress from UNC Pembroke and has brought in 7 million dollars in for Robeson County in her present job and is a veteran.So I challenge the Lumbee voters if you want a qualified candidate vote for Ms. Collins on November 13th because she is the right candidate for the job and well qualified.
I know nothing of Ms. Colllins' situation with Robeson County except that she has been successful in writing grants and bringing funds to the County doffers. It appears she is a chip off the old block because I know her mothr personally and professionally and she too, has modeled profesisonalism and outstanding service in education.
Let those who are casting stones and attempting to influence votes by character assination and using information that should be "confidential" gives rise to how did the news leak? Gossip often overlooks that the one carrying the news also has some things in their closet.
Millicent can rise above this level and has the potential for leadership and service to her community and the district in which she lives. She has demonstrated leadership and ability. She han't flaunted and flirted as some other women do in order to get attention...she has worked for her attention and has skills, talents and abilities to offer.
I invite 1500 more viewers to consider this article...thank you for your interest. Millicent Collins will serve you well.
The former County Manager was fired and sent to Comtech on a shoe string budget. Now, he has quit that position. Also, they ran off a highly regarded Asst. County Manager because he would not succumb to their pressures.
As history would have it, people such as the former Dr. Martin Luther King paved the way so that others could stand up and do what they thought was the right thing. Personally, I am grateful to those who sometimes will stand alone to accomplish what others are to scared to do.