Dear Neighbors,

My name is Dan Collins, and I am entering the April primary race for the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 172nd Legislative District. I was born and raised in Mayfair, and my wife and I are proud to call the Northeast home.  As a lifelong resident of this community, I know the positive impact our neighborhoods can have on their residents. I have chosen to raise my own family here because I agree with the ideals and principles of the people of this area. This is a community that values a strong work ethic, high integrity, a tremendous sense of pride in their neighborhoods and an unwavering commitment to family. These are the things that I, too, value most in my life. Every day I see these things in my neighbors and community members, and I take great pride in the fact that I get to live among such committed, hardworking people.

For the past twelve years of my life, I have been a school teacher here in our city. I have done my best to help prepare the kids of our community for both the successes and challenges that they will face throughout their lives. I value the importance of education and see it as a stepping stone for young people to reach their goals. I have also volunteered as CYO coach for the past seventeen years. I have seen many of our young people mature and develop through their hard work, individual determination and family support. Their accomplishments are reflections of the values of their families and their neighborhoods. Proud people and strong families are the core of this community.

I truly take great pride in calling this my home. I could not imagine having grown up anywhere else; nor could I imagine living anywhere else. That being said, I do realize there are many concerns for the residents of this district. Unfortunately, major issues touch each one of us. Foremost, the tax burden for this area is simply too high. Furthermore, the rising costs of living, the unemployment rate, crime, and gun violence are all major issues that need to be addressed in a prompt and meaningful manner. Unfortunately, far too often, hardworking, blue-collar communities like ours are forgotten by policy makers. It is important that we continue to provide our children with the best education possible and to instill in them a sense of pride in their neighborhood that ensures safe, thriving communities for generations to come. It is also important that we have someone in Harrisburg who understands the values and needs of our community and who will fight to have our collective voice heard.

We need to make sure that this is an area of prosperity to ensure the quality of life that this community deserves. We must be certain to maintain our ethics and foster the opportunities for our children that we value most. We must guarantee that our community has a voice and a connection with those making decisions. Through increased job opportunities, greater educational supports and safer streets, we as a community will thrive. I am entering this primary race to represent the hardworking people of our neighborhoods. Together, we can make this work, and I would greatly appreciate your support in representing you and the 172nd as State Representative in the greatest place in Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia.

Sincerely,

Dan Collins