Patch asked each of the Delaware County candidates the same questions about their backgrounds and changes they would make if elected.

Here are the answers sent to us from Council Member Candidate Keith Collins (D):

What background do you have that qualifies you to be on County Council?

Seeking this office is a continuation of my life of service. I have served in the following capacities:

• 1^st Lieutenant U. S. Army (Infantry-Airborne)
• Port Authority Transit Police (Corporal of Police)
• Supervisor of Clinical Visitation (Elwyn)
• Registered Principal NASD (National Association Securities Dealers)
• “Heroes Today”-Member of Veterans Outreach Committee
• Church of the Overcomer-Pastor, ordained minister for 31 years
• Chester Re-Entry Collaborative (Member)
• Prison to Praise (Founder, working with returning citizens and their families)
• Tomorrow’s Scholar (Founder, mentoring 1^st Generation college students form at-risk backgrounds)
• Delaware County Community College-Adjunct Professor

Pursuing this office is not merely a campaign it is a “cause.” I was not recruited to run for this office. I am seeking this office to make a difference in the lives of the residents of Delaware County. It is time to move this county in “A Bold New Direction.” We need to become a county where your political persuasion is no longer the determining factor in your accessing opportunities and receiving services for residents, business owners and community based groups.

I am appealing to voters from all backgrounds to support our campaign. Our platform will address three primary concerns:

• Increase Government Accountability And Eliminate Waste
• Improve Public Health & Public Safety
• Develop Business Investments And Jobs If elected to County Council I would work to establish a more transparent and efficient government. Council meeting should be taped,held at more convenient time for the general public, and or streamed to the internet for public viewing, appropriations and expenditures, and appointments should be openly discussed and debated to ensure that we are making the best possible d and following best practice models. Additionally I would strive to cultivate more joint efforts between municipalities. We must  advocate for a mortgage diversion program, we are losing revenue and expanding blight by not addressing this issue. We need a proactive Council that addresses concerns before they become a potential crisis. We to expand our public safety efforts and use a multifaceted approach to keeping citizens safe in the County. We need a Council that is not agenda driven but driven to to expand and enhance the quality of life for all Delaware County residents regardless of political background. It's the right thing to do.

What changes would you make if elected?

If elected to County Council I would work to establish a more transparent and efficient government. Council meetings should be taped and held at more convenient time for the general public. Meetings should be streamed to the Internet for public viewing. Appropriations, expenditures, and appointments should be openly discussed and debated to ensure that we are making the best possible decision and following best practice models. Additionally I would strive to cultivate more joint efforts between municipalities. We must  advocate for a mortgage diversion program, we are losing revenue and expanding blight by not addressing this issue. We need a proactive Council that addresses concerns before they become a potential crisis. We to expand our public safety efforts and use a multifaceted approach to keeping citizens safe in the County. We need a Council that is not agenda driven but committed to expanding and enhancing the quality of life for all Delaware County residents regardless of political background. It's the right thing to do.

Editor's Note: Answers from candidates are copied exactly as they were sent to Patch.