Chris Collins, the County Executive of Erie County, N.Y., USA, and prominent advocate of the application of Lean Six Sigma in government, has announced formally that he will run for a second term in this year’s November election.

In his announcement speech, Collins cited his record of reform of Erie County’s finances and the efficiencies discovered through the use of Lean Six Sigma. Since taking office, Collins has reduced the number of county employees, improved the delivery of county services, maintained a steady tax rate and held spending to a growth rate of almost zero.

Collins also touted his success in reaching a financial settlement with Erie County Medical Center Corp., which transferred the operation of local hospitals to private businesses. In addition, the county, under Collins’ term, has launched an economic development strategy that focuses on creating new jobs for small businesses.

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