BROOKINGS – Another Brookings City Council race will be on the April 10 ballot as retired Brookings Police Department Lt. Joey Collins has announced he’s seeking a one-year term.

There’s one, one-year post opening on the council, now held by Holly Tilton Byrne, who has filed nominating petitions for the seat.

Also opening on the council this year are two, three-year seats, now held by Patty Bacon and Nick Wendell. They’re both seeking re-election and will be joined on the ballot by Nick Schmeichel and Verna Longville. 

Mayor Keith Corbett is seeking re-election to a three-year term as well, but no other candidates have come forward to challenge him for the position.

The candidate lists in any of the races could grow, though, as the deadline to submit nominating petitions is 5 p.m. Friday.

Collins said he believes he can bring a unique perspective to the council, having more than 25 years’ experience serving the country, state, county and city.

He was honorably discharged after serving three years in the U.S. Army as an airborne paratrooper and served in the Gulf War. Collins also worked in corrections for the Washington State Penitentiary and the South Dakota State Penitentiary and was a deputy sheriff for Brookings County before he retired from the Brookings Police Department as a patrol lieutenant in 2017.

He also taught criminal justice classes at South Dakota State University. 

He and his wife, Julie, have two children, Peggy Sue and Judith. 

Collins said his platform includes:

• Taking care of the employees who take care of city residents.

• Ensuring that the city is fiscally responsible with its tax dollars.

• Making sure the city invests in its infrastructure by planning for the future.  

• Advocating for businesses already in Brookings and being aggressive at bringing in new businesses.

Collins said the City of Brookings needs to expand its workforce to keep up with the growing city and to fairly compensate city workers for what they do. 

“I believe in rewarding employees that serve the city,” Collins said. “Years ago, the city stopped giving bonuses to employees. I’m in favor of bringing that back and giving our exemplary employees something extra as a thank you for their dedication to the city of Brookings.”

He also favors more comprehensive retirement packages for those who have committed themselves to serving the city.

In reference to fiscal responsibility, Collins said he “will vote for what benefits the city of Brookings. … Each dollar that is spent from our budget should be made to ensure that it benefits Brookings and corresponds with our values and commitments to the taxpayers.”

Collins said investment in infrastructure is vital to Brookings’ prosperity and economic development.

“As Brookings continues to grow, so should our commitment to ensure that we keep up with plans that support our vision.” He’s advocating for plans that support growth for roads, police, fire, community development, waste, parks and more.

He’s in favor of having an employee concentrate on bringing grants into the city.

And the council can support and build solid business relationships within Brookings, he added. 

“We should ensure that our policies reflect (businesses’) challenges and support small and big businesses. Obviously, our businesses in Brookings are vital to our community. As a member of the city council, I will work to prioritize any issues businesses are facing and do what I can to assist in overcoming them.

“I am in favor of an economic development plan that brings talents, knowledge, and viewpoints from every segment of our community together.”

Collins can be reached at 695-9811 or joeycollins@brookings.net, or search for “Joey Collins for Brookings City Council” on Facebook.