BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — As a newly appointed City Commissioner for Inez, Nita Collier is eager to foster improvements in her beloved city.

Collier, a retired school teacher and current chairman of the Martin County Tourism Commission, was officially appointed June 20, replacing former Commissioner Terry Fraley, who resigned the previous month.

As a newcomer to this role, she wants to take some time to discern what improvements the city needs most.

“I am wholeheartedly in favor of enhancing our city in any way we can,” Collier stated in a recent interview.

One enhancement that Collier proposes is the development of more housing downtown.

“I know several people who are looking for a residence in Inez,” she said. “That would be a huge help to our small business.”

She also expressed her ambition to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.

“While I believe a lot of progress has been made already, I intend to collaborate with the other commissioners to identify areas for improvement,” she remarked.

Collier’s appointment marks the second new addition to the city commission within the last two months. Carolynn P. Horn, the former Martin Circuit Clerk of 30 years, was the first new appointee. Notably, Horn and Collier are close neighbors.

Collier spoke highly of Horn, stating, “What a great person to have on the commission. She’s a big influence in our area and I’m thankful she chose to do this.”

Although she has never run for elected office, Collier did not rule out the possibility in the future, stating humorously, “We’ll make that decision when the time comes.”

When reflecting on the commission’s current and past lineup, Collier offered high praise.

“We have good commissioners – and the former commissioners did what they needed to do and worked hard,” said Collier. “The ones we have now, I’m very comfortable with. I think we can work well together. That means a lot.” 

Collier attended her first city meeting June 22.