http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/index/ News Center Blog en rob@brushfiredigital.com Copyright 2010 2010-04-27T21:43:13+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_on_kris_jordans_false_attacks/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_on_kris_jordans_false_attacks/#When:21:43:13Z Recently, you may have received mail from my opponent, Kris Jordan, lying about my record. First, let me make it crystal clear. I have paid my taxes and as a state representative, I worked hard to lower the taxes of all Ohioans. In fact, I sponsored legislation to eliminate Ohio’s income tax. Only my opponent can twist a “tax reduction” into a “tax increase.” It is a shame that Kris Jordan has taken the low road in this campaign by misleading you and greatly distorting my record in an attempt to further his political career. I have chosen the high road and have run a positive campaign on the issues and my accomplishments. It is interesting to me that my opponent has not appeared at a majority of our public forums and debates and has never raised these issues in a forum where they can be discussed openly. He prefers to hide behind the bushes and lob negative attacks against me and avoid questions and debate on the issues. Is this who you want to represent us in the state senate? Some consultants have told me that I cannot win this election unless I retaliate and tear down my opponent. I do not agree with that. I believe the voters are intelligent and deserve to hear what I have to offer, and I believe that the voters will look at my record of accomplishment. Voters are sick of political dirty tricks, and whether I win or whether I lose, I will be able to look at myself in the mirror and know that I have not lied or slung mud at my opponent. As you make your decision on who to vote for on Tuesday, all I ask is that you take a close look at our records. I am the only candidate in this race with both business and government experience. As a state representative for 8 years, I won the Watchdog of the Treasury Award for my commitment to fiscal responsibility. This year, I have been endorsed by Ohio Right to Life and Family First for my commitment to protecting our family values and the rights of the unborn. If you have any questions for me, I encourage you to call me at home. My phone number is 740-397-7288 or e-mail me info@electcollier.com. Thank you, and I truly hope that I can count on your vote for State Senate. Thom Collier 2010-04-27T21:43:13+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/ohio_right_to_life_endorses_collier/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/ohio_right_to_life_endorses_collier/#When:14:13:42Z (Columbus, OH) - The Ohio Right to Life PAC last week released their list of candidate endorsements.  Among those receiving their endorsement was Thom Collier, candidate for the Ohio Senate in the 19th District. Collier has been active in the pro-life movement in the Mount Vernon community and was a founding member of the local crisis pregnancy center.  “I want to thank the Ohio Right to Life PAC for their endorsement.  Those who know me know that the pro-life issue is very near and dear to my heart.” Collier continued, “The voters of the 19th Senate District can be sure that I will represent the best interests of the pro-life movement in the Ohio Senate.” The Ohio Right to Life Political Action Committee is dedicated to electing and supporting pro-life candidates and office holders.  Ohio Right to Life PAC uses candidate surveys, interviews, the candidates’ voting records and public statements to determine candidates’ positions on pro-life issues. The PAC then issues endorsements and supports endorsed pro-life candidates. 2010-04-12T14:13:42+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_receives_endorsement_of_buckeye_firearms_association/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_receives_endorsement_of_buckeye_firearms_association/#When:16:51:23Z (Delaware, OH) - Thom Collier, candidate for the Ohio Senate in the 19th District, this week received the endorsement of the Buckeye Firearms Association. Collier, a small business owner, previously served four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives.  While there he co-sponsored Ohio’s Concealed Carry legislation as well as the Castle Doctrine. “It’s an honor to receive an ‘A’ rating from BFA along with their endorsement.  During my time in the Ohio House of Representatives, I was a champion for gun rights.  One of my proudest legislative accomplishments was being involved in the crafting and passage of Ohio’s Concealed Carry law.  The voters in the 19th District can be sure that I’ll stay true to my convictions on this issue in the Ohio Senate.” Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee (PAC) dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. As a political action committee, BFA has been issuing endorsements in every election season for the past eight years. 2010-04-09T16:51:23+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/elections_complaint_filed_against_kris_jordan/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/elections_complaint_filed_against_kris_jordan/#When:00:19:13Z Today, The Committee to Elect Thom Collier filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against Kris Jordan and the Friends of Kris Jordan committee for untruthful attacks against Thom Collier.  The outrageous and untruthful comments about Collier were included in a district-wide mailer the week of March 29th. “At first, I thought this was an April Fool’s joke, but unfortunately it was just my opponent trying to fool the voters.  Even though my opponent’s campaign manager knew this information was false, my opponent chose to use it anyway - a blatant violation of Ohio’s election law.” Collier said. In 2000, when Collier was a candidate for the Ohio House, he was completely vetted by both the media and the House Republican Caucus regarding these same allegations.  In 2000, these allegations were brought forth by Scott Pullins, a Mount Vernon attorney who was also vying for the State Representative appointment.  Collier ultimately received the appointment to the Ohio House of Representatives and it was widely reported that these false allegations made by Pullins were nothing more than political sour grapes.  Collier was appointed and subsequently elected to four terms because of his conservative principles and outstanding record of public service.  In 2010, Collier is running for the Ohio Senate and basing his positive campaign on the need for conservative leadership in Ohio. Collier commented, “My opponent, has distorted my record in the Ohio House and blatantly lied about me personally.  Ohioans are sick of political dirty tricks, and we want to make sure my opponent is held accountable for using outrageous personal smear tactics and lying about my record. “ Collier concluded, “My opponent is a perfect example of a career politician and political climber who will do anything to get elected.  These false attacks were used against me almost a decade ago during my first campaign for the Ohio House.  These allegations were proven false in 2000, and they are still false today.” Collier campaign spokesman, Matt Parker said, “Thom Collier is running an honorable campaign based upon facts.  In stark contrast, Kris Jordan has resorted to using false allegations to try and destroy the reputation of a good man.  Like most people in the 19th Senate District, we are doing our spring cleaning - cleaning away the mud that was desperately thrown at the voters by Kris Jordan.” Parker concluded, “Kris has worked most of his career inside government, and he has spent a lot of his time campaigning for the next office instead of working hard for his constituents.  We should not be surprised that he would resort to lies, because to Kris Jordan, truthfulness, honor, and dignity are a distant second to winning an election.” Click here for a copy of the complaint 2010-04-02T00:19:13+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_overwhelmingly_wins_knox_county_endorsement/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_overwhelmingly_wins_knox_county_endorsement/#When:14:38:25Z (Mount Vernon, OH) - Tuesday night the Knox County Republican Party overwhelmingly endorsed conservative state senate candidate Thom Collier. “I’m humbled by the support our campaign received at last night’s endorsement meeting. Last night’s vote sent an overwhelming message that voters in Knox County are hungry for conservative leadership, and that’s exactly what I’m prepared to give them”, said Collier. Collier managed to garner 75% of the vote on the first ballot over several other opponents. The impressive first ballot showing made a second ballot unnecessary. In order to earn the endorsement of the Knox County Republican Committee a candidate needs a two-thirds majority vote in their favor. Collier continued, “This endorsement means a lot to our campaign, and it exemplifies the kind of response we’ve been getting across the district as we connect with voters.” Serving as a state representative for 8 years, Thom Collier built an impressive conservative record. Collier was given the Watchdog of the Treasury Award by the United Conservatives of Ohio and was instrumental in shaping a tax reform package that eliminated the corporate franchise tax, tangible personal property tax, and cut the income tax of every Ohioan by 21 percent. Thom and his wife, Diane, have been married 17 years and have two daughters, Cathern, 15, and Natoli, 10. Thom is a leader in his church and has been a small business owner for 27 years. 2010-03-12T14:38:25+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_named_watchdog_of_the_treasury/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_named_watchdog_of_the_treasury/#When:20:53:00Z COLUMBUS- Today Thom Collier, former state representative and candidate for state senate in Ohio’s 19th district, was awarded the “Watchdog of the Treasury” award by the United Conservatives of Ohio for the 127th General Assembly.  This award is given to a small number of legislators who stand up for fiscal responsibility and elimination of government waste.  This is the second time Collier has received the “Watchdog of the Treasury” award. “I am proud to receive the ‘Watchdog of the Treasury’ award.  When I was voted into the state legislature, I made saving taxpayer dollars a priority in Columbus,” Collier stated.  “During a time when Ohio and the nation are facing record budget deficits and out of control spending, it will be crucial that citizens have state legislators that take a stand to reduce the government burden on the average taxpayer.” As a state representative for 8 years, Collier built an impressive conservative record.  His bold tax policies included introducing legislation to eliminate the Ohio income tax, helping eliminate the corporate franchise and tangible personal property tax, and cutting the income tax of every Ohioan by 21 percent. The award was presented this morning in Columbus by the United Conservatives of Ohio, which stands for responsible spending of taxpayer dollars, reducing government waste, and supporting a free market-based economic system. 2010-02-24T20:53:00+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_names_campaign_chairman/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_names_campaign_chairman/#When:19:33:45Z (Mount Vernon) - Today, 19th district state senate candidate, Thom Collier announced that Jim Kelly will serve as his campaign chairman.  Kelly recently retired as public affairs manager for CenturyLink Communications.  Jim’s territory for CenturyLink (formerly Embarq, Sprint, and United Telephone) included four of the five counties in the 19th Senate District.  Kelly served on the Ohio Economic Development Council, the Morrow County Economic Development Board, and the Area Development Foundation.  In addition, he has served on the boards of numerous Chambers of Commerce including Sunbury and Knox County where he was an Ambassador and served on the Legislative Committee. His public service includes more than 25 years with the United Way of Knox County, including a term as Chairman.  Kelly also served on the board of the American Red Cross, Knox Community Hospital Foundation Board, and was a member of the Rotary Club. “I have known Thom and his family for more than 40 years.  I have worked with him as a business owner, community leader, and as a legislator.  I know Thom has the experience and knowledge we need to get the 19th district back on track.  I am pleased to join his senate campaign and contribute in any way I can.” Kelly commented. Collier noted, “I am proud to have Jim Kelly step up to serve as our campaign chairman.  There are very few people who know the people and economic necessities of the area as well as Jim Kelly.  Jim will be a huge asset to our campaign. He has a great network of people throughout the 19th District. Jim shares both my values and my passion for bringing conservative leadership to the State Senate.  After 35 years in the telecommunications industry working with business leaders and economic development professionals, Jim knows that Ohio can’t afford to continue losing jobs and people to states with a better tax climate.” Kelly resides in rural Knox County with his wife, of 43 years, Rose.  They have five adult children; Beth, of Tarrytown, NY; Erin, of Chicago, IL; Rob; Tom; and Meg, all of Columbus. The Kelly’s have eight grandchildren. Collier’s senate campaign continues to gain momentum after outstanding grassroots fundraising efforts in 2009. At his website, ElectCollier.com, Collier has outlined the core values he believes are necessary to best serve the needs and the people of the 19th District. 2010-02-19T19:33:45+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_exemplifies_grassroots_campaign/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_exemplifies_grassroots_campaign/#When:17:44:31Z Thom Collier has proven that his campaign is truly “grassroots” by raising over $100,000 in his bid to become the Republican nominee for State Senate.  Collier is also the first candidate in the race to cross the $100,000 milestone. Collier has out-raised all three of his opponents COMBINED in the first 12 month period.  For calendar year 2009, Collier out-raised his next closest competitor, an incumbent House member, by nearly $30,000, even though 59% of his opponent’s fundraising came from special interest lobbying groups. Collier raised $103,200 from 330 individual contributors. In stark contrast to his next closest competitor, only 3% of Collier’s $106,500 fundraising efforts were from Political Action Committees.  Further separating Collier from his opponents, Collier was the only candidate to receive significant contributions from individual donors in all five counties of the 19th Senate District. Other candidates in this race have loaned their campaign thousands of dollars to make up for the lack of grassroots support.  Thom Collier is running his campaign debt-free, and just like his views on state government, believes that his campaign should be fiscally responsible. With 83 days left in this campaign, Thom is relying on conservative activists from all five counties in the 19th District to help him get his message out.  Volunteers and individual contributors will make the difference in this race. Thom Collier stated, “I have been humbled by the support of so many on this campaign.  People have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to help me get our conservative message to the voters.  The work, however, is just beginning.  Over the next two and a half months, I will be working extremely hard to get our message to the voters.  Ohio is at a crossroads, and we need conservative leaders now more than ever.  I am the only candidate with both business and state government experience, and I am in the best position to get the job done in Columbus.” 2010-02-10T17:44:31+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_others_rally_ashlanders_for_the_pro-life_cause/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/collier_others_rally_ashlanders_for_the_pro-life_cause/#When:01:07:37Z (Ashland) Former state representative Thom Collier urged those attending a Sanctity of Human Life rally Sunday night at Southview Grace Brethren Church to do their part to further pro-life efforts in Ashland. Collier served as guest speaker for the rally, which was hosted by Ashland Care Center. Collier is one of the founders of a similar organization in Knox County. He spoke about growing up in poverty in Knox County, one of nine children. However, Collier said, he and his siblings were never wanting because of the examples their parents set with their actions and their faith in God. “The fact is we never lacked anything of importance,” he said. “We had everything that was important; we had love and care.” He drew parallels between the love his parents freely gave to those who lacked help and guidance with the compassion and guidance provided by those working for the Ashland Care Center. “My parents, like you, are doers of the word (of God), not just readers,” Collier said. “They saw lack just like you see lack coming through the doors of the Ashland Care Center.” He encouraged those who packed the church sanctuary to contribute in whatever way they could—through donations, volunteering and prayer—to the efforts of the Ashland Care Center. Collier, who peppered his talk with plenty of humorous anecdotes, drew a standing ovation at the end of his speech. Maryanne Wise, the newest Ashland Care Center board member, also spoke Sunday night. In an emotional talk, she described her experience getting an abortion 28 years ago. Wise said that, although she blocked out the experience for many years, she came to terms with it after God drew her into the pro-life cause. She described the painful process of coming to terms with her guilt, ultimately finding refuge in the fact that it wasn’t about her, but about Jesus. She has since married and had three children. Ashland Care Center executive director Ducia Hamm also spoke at Sunday’s rally. She noted that, although the center encountered its share of financial problems and other roadblocks in the past year, it served 20 percent more clients than the previous year. She encouraged those attending the rally to press on. “Satan will hit you any place he can,” Hamm said. “But thanks to you who keep standing by in the face of evil.” 2010-02-05T01:07:37+00:00 http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/former_rep._thom_collier_files_petitions/ http://www.electcollier.com/index.php/site/former_rep._thom_collier_files_petitions/#When:17:54:02Z Mansfield, Ohio (January 13, 2010) - Former State Representative Thom Collier (R-Mount Vernon) today announced that he formally filed petitions at the Richland County Board of Elections to be a candidate for the 19th State Senate District.  The 19th Senate District is being vacated by Senate President Bill Harris due to term limits. Collier stated, “I am running for the State Senate to serve.  Ohio is losing jobs and people at an alarming rate.  I cannot stand on the sidelines and watch as Ohio loses companies and people to states with a better business climate.” “Since I announced my campaign in August, I have spoken with thousands of voters across the 19th District.  The message is loud and clear that voters are not going to continue to support business as usual in Columbus.  Just like me, they are frustrated with the economic condition of our state, and they are going to make their voices heard at the voting booths.” Serving as a state representative for 8 years, Thom built an impressive conservative record. Thom was given the Watchdog of the Treasury Award by the United Conservatives of Ohio and was instrumental in shaping a tax reform package that eliminated the corporate franchise, tangible personal property taxes, and cut the income tax of every Ohioan by 21 percent. Thom and his wife, Diane, have been married 17 years and have two daughters, Cathern, 15, and Natoli, 10.  Thom is a leader in his church and for 27 years has been a small business owner. 2010-01-14T17:54:02+00:00