Four years ago I ran on a platform to increase Charles County's commercial tax base, make housing more affordable for all residents, and to ensure that education and law enforcement would be maintained as priority funding areas.

My background is Charles County. I am a product of the Charles County public schools and, with my law practice, I have committed myself professionally to this community. My wife and I love Charles County because it is an outstanding place to raise a family. Yes, I'm excited about the potential of this community.

Diverse and Fiscally Responsible

Charles County has received national recognition for its diversity and as a fiscally responsible government. The county has been recognized as the 21st wealthiest county in the entire nation. For the first time in the county’s 350-year history, we received a AAA bond rating from Fitch, one of the three bond rating agencies in New York. This is great stuff.

Planning Ahead

Although development has slowed substantially from the rapid pace of two years ago, the county’s plan for sustainable growth for the next 25 years continues to provide challenges in providing adequate government services for our residents. The County has proven to be up to the task.

How Charles County Has Grown

We are a bigger, more diverse county. Despite that, statistics from the Charles County Sheriff’s Department have shown that our crime rate remains relatively low in proportion to the size of our population. Additionally, our education system has blossomed to become one of the top performing school systems in the state. In fact, we are the highest performing majority/minority school system in the entire State of Maryland.

Effects of the Economic Downturn

The economic downturn has slowed massive increases in residential development, which has lowered the county’s bottom line revenue for consecutive years running. An economy based primarily on residential development is not sustainable in the long run. Still, the Commissioners have not wavered on a commitment to expand the county’s commercial/industrial tax base. With several projects in place such as the Indian Head Tech Park County, residents will see the creation of more high paying professional and service industry jobs for our citizens.

A slow down in the economy has meant a reduction in resources needed to provide programs and services for county residents. Notwithstanding this fact, Charles County citizens have seen the opening of tremendous county amenities such as Regency Stadium, the Indian Head Hiker/Biker Trail, and the overall expansion of the public park system including Pisgah Park and Mallows Bay.

Progress in the Making

The passage of a prevailing wage for county financed capitol projects and the creation of a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program have placed Charles County on the cutting edge of jurisdictions in the State of Maryland.

As far as infrastructure is concerned, the county’s massive road construction projects have culminated with the Western Parkway expansion, St. Charles Parkway, and Middleton Road upgrades. The WSSC connection has offset the depletion of the aquifers, which provide the foundation of the county’s water supply.

Tangible progress has also been made in providing rail transit to the Charles County community. Light rail connecting to Charles County from the Branch Avenue Green Line is forecasted to be constructed within a decade.

Forward-Thinking Leadership

These accomplishments are not solely the result of Reuben Collins. It is the result of nearly a decade of input by committed forward-thinking leadership that has made this arguably the most progressive and successful period in the county’s 352-year history. We believe that we are a significant part of this renaissance and a major contributor to this exciting period in Charles County history.

The ability of current leadership to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Calvert County, the Southern Maryland Delegation, and State and Federal officials has also made an impact on our overall success.

This is possible because of the Charles County “can do” spirit. Our citizens are our greatest asset. The county will continue to thrive because of our ability to mesh the old with the new to create the “One Charles County” of the future. Make no mistake, we will continue to thrive because of our commitment and confidence in the county’s future.

My Commitment to Charles County

“Connecting the Community” is our theme for the 2010 campaign. Together we will continue to orchestrate the creation of a model community.

I am asking the citizens of Charles County to support my reelection effort. I want to be assured that the progress we have made the last four years will continue. I want to ensure that the momentum of reform government is not abated. I will never let you down Charles County, which means that I will never turn my back on the community where I was raised. This is my home and this is where I have chosen to raise my children. We are “One Charles County” and we are destined for even greater things.