Collins seeking District 55 seat

Blytheville business owner Effie Collins is running for Arkansas state representative for District 55, and says her platforms are crime reduction, education and healthcare, among other issues.

"I have worked on several political campaigns over the years," she said, "and there are some issues which were pointed out but never dealt with, so I am running to address them."

In Blytheville, Collins says the infrastructure can be improved by tearing down abandoned buildings and other deteriorating properties and rebuilding, which she says will also create jobs.

Collins also said that she would like to see a higher level of accountability for local law enforcement.

"We have troubled areas and we need to see more police presence in those areas," she said. "We need foot and bike patrols in our neighborhoods. If our young people had more interaction with the police, it might create a better relationship for them with law enforcement."

On how this can be accomplished, she said that the city needs to change structure.

"I don't know that we need more officers," she said, "but I see them in areas that are less threatening, and I want to see them more in our high threat areas."

More chances for adult education will also be a priority for Collins, who said she would like to see programs which help people by offering them a second chance.

"A lot of people around here didn't finish school, but if they could be taught a skill by professionals, like on-the-job training, it could help them," she said. "I see people standing out on the corners and things, and I think if they had a skill, they could be more productive."

More programs are also needed, in Collins's opinion, for senior citizens and others who cannot afford health care.

"I'd like to see more free screening for different types of cancer. Some people can't afford these tests, and while we do have some programs coming through here that offers them, we need more awareness," she said.

Collins was born and raised in Blytheville, is a 1975 graduate of Blytheville High School who holds her bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta and the NAACP, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion, and a veteran of Desert Storm. She is also a founding member of Harrison High's "Last of the Dragons," the Democratic Central Committee, Democratic Women, and the Dr. King Commission.

She started Collins Funeral Home 15 years ago, and ran it until 2009, when her license to practice was revoked as a result of her failure to attend a hearing of the Arkansas State Board of Embalmer and Funeral Directors. Collins said complaints had been filed against her regarding a customer's bill, and that she didn't attend the hearing because of a miscommunication with her attorney. On the topic of later charges filed alleging that Collins was continuing to practice as a funeral director without a license, she said there was a misunderstanding and that she was working under funeral directors out of Memphis during that time.

"What I was doing wasn't illegal," she said, "but there were some personal issues with some of the state board members, and that's why I was treated that way. I am currently waiting on an answer to my appeal of the board's decision, and will hopefully know this year about getting my license back. This issue is far from over -- the fight is still going on."

"If anything," she said, "this issue should prove to people that I am a fighter, and that I won't give up on things that matter. People should vote for me because I am willing to fight about what matters -- my slogan is 'Your voice will finally be heard.'"

The primary election over District 55 will be held on May 22.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com