By Martin Couch
Ward 2, Position 1 alderman Ed Collins says he has had his campaign "attacked" by an anonymous letter circulating throughout Ward 2 that states he was suspended from his position as a Pulaski County deputy.The letter was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act from Pulaski County.[more]
Speculation was that Chris Tipton, whom Collins is leaving his Ward 2, Position 1 position to challenge for the Ward 2, Position 2 spot on the Council, had been the one behind the letter, however after Thursday night's Bryant City Council meeting, Tipton told Collins that he had no involvement with the letter or it being sent to constituents.
"I appreciate Chris coming to me and telling me that he was not responsible for it," Collins said. "I believe him and I was pleased to know he's not behind it. As a citizen and a voter, I encourage good campaigning and good competition amongst men and candidates who seek public office. However, I will not support the actions of an unknown coward who is full of hate by blaming a professional and Christian man such as Chris Tipton for someone else’s actions."
Collins is running for the Ward 2, Position 2 spot against Tipton, vacating his current alderman position on the City Council for the upcoming November elections.
"The actions that took place yesterday was purely premeditated and full of hate and it stops here with me," Collins said. "I do not wish to pursue it any further. My family and I do not blame nor hold Chris Tipton responsible for what another person does. Chris Tipton said he did not know or have anything to do with the actions that took place yesterday and I believe him. God bless him and his family and may they be kept safe and protected from those who hate."
David
To Mr. Patrick and Mr. Couch: I am astounded that you permitted something like this to be printed on your otherwise outstanding website. What happened to accuracy in reporting? Has it occurred to either of you that there was more to the mailing received by Mr. Collins’ constituents than an angry cover letter?
A Ward 2 resident has just supplied me with a copy of the attachment — an authentic letter of finding from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office that held Mr. Collins to have been in violation of standard of conduct for the department. His offenses were giving "false statements to two of your supervisors" and falsifying a report that he was unable to obtain fingerprints from a crime scene.
Have either of you two journalists seen the letter? Called the Pulaski County Sheriff for a statement? Questioned Mr. Collins? It isn’t a question of whether or not Mr. Collins committed a serious breach of professional accountability, or that he lied to superior officers. It is a matter of finding of fact by a panel of his law enforcement peers.
He was found guilty of violation of Standard 11 — Dishonesty or Untruthfulness, under the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Standards of Conduct.
I would strongly advise anyone against suggesting that sending copies of a letter that even Collins admits was subject to FOIA was a "hate crime," especially in these times of political accountability. Nor dare you suggest that what he did was inconsequential. A man who will lie to a Sheriff, while working as a deputy, regarding evidence on a crime scene is capable of lying to anyone.
I would strongly suggest that you ask Mr. Collins’ for a photocopy of his mailing, and examine the contents yourselves before giving him a bully pulpit to make an issue out of Chris Tipton not being the "guilty party" who sent out the mailing. This article was ludicrous, and reflects poorly on your website.
As for Collins, he comes off like a buffoon. He owes all of Bryant, and especially the "citizens" he loves to refer to an explanation as to what he did, and why he did it — right before he resigns from the City Council. Or, I expect the voters of Ward 2 to throw him out. He can take his pick. But our patience with men like Collins — in case you haven’t noticed — is gone.
David
How about the accountability of your actions ending with you, Mr. Collins? Exactly who — other than you — is supposed to have accused Mr. Tipton of anything? And he requires you to clear his name? Of what? This is a lame attempt at trying to look like a hero or statesman. You are neither. You have yet to answer for what the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office says you were guilty of — and that is "Standard 11–Dishonesty or Untruthfulness" and falsifying your general report by lying and claiming that you were unable to obtain any prints on a door knob. They suspended you for five days. ANSWER FOR THIS, MR. COLLINS. It has a bearing on your trustworthiness as a public official. I hope you see this before Mr. Patrick takes it down — which he pledged NOT to do! Instead of deleting these comments — HOW ABOUT RESPONDING TO THEM?
TJ
Is this guy for real or is this a joke?? Collins get a life and stay out of public office!
TJ
Thank is the most childish article I have ever read!! This isn’t facebook!