JACKSONVILLE — Though it wasn’t Les Collins’ first time to be sworn in to serve — he was sworn in as an Army officer in 1985 — in January, Collins became the only new Jacksonville alderman this year.
Collins, contract curriculum developer and facilitator at Camp Robinson, is now the alderman for Ward 5, Position 2. Collins replaces Bill Howard, who retired. Collins said being an alderman is about being a voice for those in his ward.
“My first responsibility is to represent neighbors from the ward and to make sure they’re getting a fair shake [in receiving] the limited amount of funds the city has that are used to improve the community …,” Collins said. “The other thing is helping keep an eye out to make sure the budget is properly administrated — also, to make sure eyes are kept on the future for what the city needs to grow.”
Collins is originally from Pocahontas and has lived in Jacksonville since 2000. He said a neighbor had encouraged him to apply to be an alderman a couple of years ago, but he hadn’t really thought about becoming one. He attended Jacksonville City Council meetings for nearly a year before he took office so he could learn more about the city and receive mentorship from now fellow council members, including Howard.
“After I filled out the paperwork, it was something I decided I should try to do and do well,” said Collins, who ran unopposed for the position. “It’s definitely been a growth experience for me.”
Collins said Jacksonville has gone through highs and lows in recent years.
“We’ve experienced a bit of a low because of all the work that’s been done on [U.S.] 67,” he said. “As soon as that gets done, our growth will pick up a lot. Getting our school district back is a definite plus. I think getting out from under the Pulaski County Special School District will make a lot of difference to our existence as a good and prosperous community over the years.”
Collins said Jacksonville’s Ward 5 is an area of the city that has room to expand, as far as having land for development. As an alderman, Collins said, he’ll also be a salesman for opportunities in that area of the city.
“Things my neighbors have talked to me about [include], of course, everybody always wants additional streetlights and additional police patrolling,” he said. “You try to bring that to people’s attention and spread the good word of how our police decide where they are going to be patrolling.”
Collins’ term for alderman is four years.
“Position 2s in Jacksonville are in sync with the presidential election cycle, and the Position 1s are in the congressional cycle,” he said.
Being in the Army taught Collins to study before he speaks and listen before he speaks, too, he said.
“The Lord gives you two eyes and two ears for a reason, and hopefully, it’s to overcome that one mouth that you often keep your feet in,” he said.
Barbara Mashburn, Ward 3, Position 2 alderman, said Collins having a military background means he already knows what it’s like to help others.
“Les Collins, he is a wonderful person,” she said. “I’ve known him since he’s come on board. He’s been at the meetings for about a year to get used to what was going on to become alderman. Since he’s become alderman, I have talked to him several times. His ability to help people — that’s what it takes when you’re in public [service] — you have to have the ability to help people out. He does. He goes above and beyond.”
Mashburn said the role of alderman is one that a person has to grow into and that there will be a learning curve.
“We’re basically the first line of defense when something comes up with your city,” she said of the role.
It’d be hard to work two full-time jobs, but Collins said he could probably make a full-time job out of being an alderman.
“There’s always plenty of opportunity to try to help and make things better,” he said, “plenty of research to do.”
Collins said he enjoys that his neighborhood in Jacksonville is quiet and calm. He said he looks forward to what’s in store for the city.
“I’m looking forward to the [highway] construction being completed, the reputation of our school being able to carry itself so we can get an influx of people back into Jacksonville, those people who were turned off by having to deal with the Pulaski County Special School District and those who are turned off by our current problems with road construction,” he said. “We have some good things happening. … Things are looking up.”