Mike Collins Calls For War On Dirty Fossil Fuels

[El Supremo]

Release Date: Dec. 6, 2007 CONTACT: Jim Hudson – 720-296-1936

MIKE COLLINS, CANDIDATE FOR COLORADO’S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, CALLS FOR WAR ON DIRTY FOSSIL FUELS

Aurora, CO – 6th Congressional District Democratic Party Candidate Mike Collins today announced he will work in Congress to limit the likelihood of future American involvement in war in the Middle East by mounting a "war on the nation's dependency on fossil fuels."

Collins noted that America's vulnerability to massive interruption of vital oil supplies coupled with a disastrous U.S. foreign policy led the War in Iraq and placed the nation on the precipice of future wars.

Noting that after the invasion of Pearl Harbor sixty-six years ago, and America's entrance into WWII, nearly all Americans shared in the war effort. He said he believes citizens of the 6th Congressional District want to do their share to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. He cited ways in which he will work in Congress to provide them greater opportunities to do so.

"Fossil fuels pollute our environment, sicken our most vulnerable, and empty our bank accounts. They create global political instability. If ever we had a common, deadly, persistent enemy, it is our dependency on oil," Collins said.

Collins said he will immediately push for a changes in public planning strategies that have favored motorists over walkers and cyclists, and call for greater use of electric vehicle technology, bicycle and pedestrian paths.

"While citizens in our District have done terrific work to plan and construct transportation options in our communities, we must do more and need to increase the use of these alternatives. I want to see small, neighborhood friendly EV's (electric vehicles), bikes and pedestrian paths used more and more throughout our District. And I'd like to see these options safely linked more to light rail, buses, retailers, and other points in our community," Collins said.

Collins, an Aurora resident, is a 56-year-old highly decorated former Army Ranger who served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam and Cambodia. He received the Bronze Star for Valor and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service among many other combat awards and decorations.

The 6th Congressional District is currently held by Tom Tancredo, who recently declared he will not seek reelection in the 6th.

Collins has worked in the transportation and construction industries most of his post-military life.

Collins currently works with veterans groups to help disabled and homeless veterans to ensure they get help they need to live better lives. Collins was diagnosed with dioxin associated cancer of the larynx in 1999 and had his larynx removed a year later. He communicates with the aid of an electro-larynx.

Collins says he has entered the race because “the people of the 6th Congressional District want their national defense and homeland security tax dollars spent in a way that makes them feel truly defended and secure, renewable energy (bio-diesel, wind, solar) that will decrease our dependence on foreign oil (and strengthen our national defense), and transportation solutions that emphasize fewer highways and more rapid transit.”

“Seven years ago, I benefited from superior health care services, without which I would certainly not have survived my service connected condition. I believe all Americans deserve the same quality medical care and will work closely with other members of Colorado’s congressional delegation to achieve this goal,” Collins said.

Collins said he will also work collaboratively with Governor Bill Ritter in his efforts to find legislative and other solutions to improve the quality of life for citizens of Congressional District 6 and all Coloradans.