Events

The Randy Burton–rushed Fire and EMS merger lacks transparency, planning, and financial accountability — with an estimated $2.1 million annual price tag and growing burden for taxpayers. As part of my campaign, I will advocate pausing the merger until a clear, responsible plan — with a defined funding source — is in place to protect both our first responders and your tax dollars.

Pender County owes its first responders a great debt of gratitude. They deserve leadership that will not place the weight of political ambition on their shoulders — or the cost of it on the backs of taxpayers.

Rapid, unchecked growth is overwhelming Pender County’s roads, schools, and emergency services. As part of my campaign, I’ll advocate for responsible, transparent development that protects our infrastructure and preserves community quality of life.  

Safety isn’t just a government responsibility. It’s a community responsibility—and that includes the developers who want to build here.

As neighbors, we look out for each other. Developers who profit from our growth must be held to the same standard. They must treat us as neighbors. We must fight loopholes that allow unsafe conditions and compromise safety for a quick buck.

Pender Post Lawsuit
A personal dispute by Randy Burton over what he considered “negative press” has cost taxpayers more than $1 million in legal exposure. The decision to remove the County’s legal notice not only violated NCGS 1-597, but also appeared to be an attempt to punish the Pender Post for publishing things Randy didn’t like.

Punishing the media for exercising free speech is not a conservative value—it’s something we expect from the other party. As Commissioner, I will restore the County’s legal notices to a publication that fully complies with NCGS 1-597.

 Our roads can’t keep up with the pace of development—especially in Hampstead and Rocky Point. As part of my campaign, I will lead a “Fix Pender’s Roads” initiative to improve safety, expand capacity, and secure state funding before approving additional growth.
Vote Collins for County Commissioner — let’s prioritize our community’s infrastructure and plan responsibly for the future. 

 With the upcoming property revaluation, citizens of this county are facing a significant tax increase. As property values rise, I will work to lower the property tax rate so that residents do not see an increase in their overall tax bills. I will also advocate for zero-based budgeting to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely, efficiently, and transparently. 

Overcrowded classrooms and staffing shortages highlight the urgent need for better coordination between the County and the School Board. As a father and husband of a Pender County teacher, I strongly support our educators and students and will make it a priority to ensure strong schools and safe learning environments for every child. 

 Pender County remains vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, and our stormwater systems are in need of modern upgrades. As Commissioner, I will strengthen emergency preparedness and actively pursue federal and state grants to make our communities more resilient.