A good night for Collins
County Executive Chris Collins hosted a few hundred of his closest friends Friday night at the Adam's Mark Hotel, and raked in about $300,000 in campaign funds too.
The Republican held a major fundraiser that by all measures ranked as a success.
It all means things are going well politically for the rookie politician. Knowledgeable sources say his poll numbers are strong, while the County Legislature's are not (but then again, what legislative body posts high poll numbers?).
Collins was elected in 2007 backed by a slogan that asked voters to "elect a chief executive, not a chief politician." But since then he's freely acknowledged that just as he mastered all the skills that made him a successful businessman, he's attempting to master the skills to make him a successful politician. Politics, he acknowledges, is part of the game.
The county executive faces many new challenges. It's difficult to run a major, urban government when times are good, let alone during the worst economic conditions in 75 years. And he continues to battle with a control board that oversees all county finances.
But the fact that poll numbers look good and campaign funds are flowing in shows Chris Collins occupies a fairly decent spot for a new pol still early in his sophomore year in office.
What's your opinion of the county executive's performance?
-- Robert J. McCarthy
