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Engineer. Problem-solver. Listener. Candidate for New Hanover County Commission.
Richard Collier is running for County Commission because he believes he can make a difference for the people of New Hanover County.
He wants to listen to residents, address real concerns, and help shape a stronger future for the county we all call home.
Richard brings a practical, technically competent approach to public service. As an engineer and longtime planning board member, he understands complex systems, land use decisions, infrastructure demands, codes, ordinances, budgets, and the long-term consequences of local government decisions.
He believes county government should be honest, transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on core services.
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Richard grew up in Stedman, North Carolina, a small farming town about 30 miles east of Fayetteville.
From a young age, he worked with his uncle on the farm. That experience taught him hard work, perseverance, and how to work alongside others toward a common goal.
Richard also grew up performing in bands, chorus, chorales, plays, and musicals. Those experiences helped him become comfortable speaking with people, listening closely, and communicating clearly.
Today, Richard is most proud of his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.
Richard has spent the better part of the last 20 years serving on local planning boards and commissions.
In those roles, he has worked on zoning, land use, development, codes, ordinances, and the rules that shape how communities grow.
That experience matters.
County commissioners make decisions that affect roads, schools, taxes, public safety, water, sewer, stormwater, development, parks, and quality of life. Richard understands that these decisions must be made carefully, honestly, and with a clear understanding of both the law and the long-term impact on residents.
Richard is running because he has a heart for public service.
He believes New Hanover County needs leaders who will listen, ask hard questions, and work to solve problems instead of chasing headlines.
The issues facing our county are real: traffic congestion, insufficient road infrastructure, overdevelopment, tax pressure, school impacts, environmental protection, and the ability of longtime families to keep living here.
Richard wants residents to know they have been heard. He wants to bring their concerns into the discussion and work toward practical improvements.
Richard’s leadership style is built around listening.
He believes public officials should research the issue, listen to the people affected, talk with others, understand the rules, and then make a decision based on facts and values.
His values are clear: fiscal responsibility, transparency, honesty, integrity, and backbone.
Richard believes leaders are respected through their actions, not their position. He also believes disagreement should be handled with respect, honesty, and a willingness to explain decisions clearly.
Richard stands for limited government, fiscal responsibility, low taxes, strong core services, responsible growth, public safety, strong schools, environmental protection, and transparent decision-making.
He believes government should stay focused on serving the people, not making life harder for them.
He believes residents deserve leaders who are prepared, honest, approachable, and willing to follow through on their commitments.
