"Senator Collins has time and again been a thoughtful champion for good planning. Coming from a small town in northern Maine, she understands the important role places like post offices and other government offices play in maintaining a sense of community," said APA Northern New England Chapter President David White. "Senator Collins brings to Washington a thorough grasp of the issues facing communities and neighborhoods, as well as a brand of centrist's politics that quickly made her a key deal broker popular on both sides of the aisle."
The APA commended Senator Collins for being a major proponent of renewable energy sources, greater efficiency, and efforts to study climate change. The group also cited Senator Collins'' work on oceans legislation that includes a variety of coastal programs important to Maine.
"Good planning is important to the success of communities. I am honored to be recognized by the American Planning Association with this award, and will continue to work to improve the planning process for local communities," Senator Collins said.
APA established this annual award to recognize Members of Congress who have worked to improve communities across the nation. Senator Collins has long been a leader on regional issues as Co-Chair of the Senate Northeast-Midwest Coalition. She has also worked to ensure citizens have a stronger say in the location of post offices and requiring the Postal Service do a better job of complying with local plans and consulting local decision makers.
###