April 8, 2010

By Rick Winterson

Editor’s note:  While South Boston Online does not endorse political candidates, we profile them and their stands on those issues that concern South Boston.  We feel this is an essential community service to our readers.  This week, we are profiling Nick Collins, a Democratic candidate for state Representative for the Fourth Suffolk District.  Other candidates are free to contact us about profiles of their own.

Nick Collins is a third generation South Bostonian, and comes from a family of three boys and three girls.  They all attended Gate of Heaven, as did Nick’s mother, Mary.  He went on to Boston Latin School.  Receiving scholarships from there and from the South Boston Sports Hall of Fame, Nick got his degree in Business Administration (marketing, entrepreneurship) from Babson.

In 2007, Nick became the Regional Field Director (Southern and Seacoast New Hampshire) for the Biden for President Committee.  His interest in politics became a passion.  Sen. Jack Hart then offered Nick a job helping to arrange constituent services and monitoring locally important issues. 

As examples of his many community projects, Nick was one of the planners for the World War II Veterans’ Express, and he initiated the production of a Dorchester Heights history video with the Citizens’ Association, the Historical Society, and the Evacuation Day Heritage Committee.  He also founded the South Boston Collegiate Baseball Clinic.   

When asked why he wants to serve in public office, Nick Collins replies, “I have a passion for working with people and helping people.” He adds, “I enjoy the clash of ideas, because that’s what will lead to working solutions for pressing problems.”

He considers three basic issues to be his top priorities:

First and foremost, his attention will be focused on the economy, both locally and statewide.  Specifically, he’ll work on economic measures that offer the maximum job opportunities in this very difficult unemployment climate – over 9% out of work, with another 9% “underemployed”.

In the short term, Nick supports continuing steps such as the film tax credits, which already have been put in place through the efforts of Rep. Wallace and Sen. Hart.  He also proposes a moratorium next year on selected taxes and fees that affect small businesses.  He would not have supported increasing the meals tax, which he considers “burdensome”.  His aim is to encourage the Commonwealth’s numerous small businesses to hire those one or two additional employees right away, instead of waiting several extra months until the recovery becomes more certain.

In the long term, Nick is for casinos and racinos.  While he acknowledges these are controversial, he believes the new jobs they provide will outweigh their negative features.

Since development on the waterfront is currently on hold, Nick would like to focus on stabilizing the economy first.  He feels that “the market has to dictate the future of the waterfront.”  Once the projects are up and running again, Nick will work tirelessly to ensure that they benefit residents of his district.

His second key issue is public safety.  Nick points out that crime is related to the unemployment problems discussed above.  He wants to be sure that crime doesn’t grow while the economy is struggling to recover.

In addition, he will focus a good part of his efforts on substance abuse prevention.  It’s no secret that much of the crime in South Boston – well over half of it – is drug-related.  That part of the substance abuse problem is over and above the immense social cost of drug usage.  Nick thinks that South Boston is now in a position of leadership in drug issues, with our drug court, halfway houses, and the recently-opened “YARD” center. Nick would like to see the Boston Police Department restore the day-time drug enforcement unit because their presence and ability to respond quickly is crucial.

Finally, Nick will foster what he calls “civic engagement”.  South Boston has had a great past, and can look forward to an even greater future.  He wants to reach out and engage the community in a discussion that includes all residents.  Nick believes he can be that bridge, and intends to make “civic engagement” an integral part of his campaign.