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Andrew Kollar
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Andrew Kollar (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives to represent the 18th Middlesex District. He lost in the Democratic primary on September 3, 2024.
Kollar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Andrew Kollar was born in Plainview, New York. He graduated from Wellington C. Mepham High School. He attended American University of Rome. He earned a bachelor's degree from Philadelphia University in 2009. His career experience includes working as an architect, second responder with the Disaster Response Alliance, and as a MA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Provider. Kollar is a PHIUS Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate. He has been affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Society for Architecture.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 18th Middlesex District
Tara Hong defeated David Ouellette in the general election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 18th Middlesex District on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tara Hong (D)  | 77.7 | 7,592 |
| David Ouellette (Unenrolled) | 21.5 | 2,100 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 83 | ||
| Total votes: 9,775 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 18th Middlesex District
Tara Hong defeated incumbent Rady Mom and Andrew Kollar in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 18th Middlesex District on September 3, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tara Hong | 47.4 | 1,191 |
 | Rady Mom | 40.2 | 1,010 | |
 | Andrew Kollar | 12.4 | 313 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 1 | ||
| Total votes: 2,515 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kollar in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Andrew Kollar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kollar's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As an Architect, I've spent the last 15 years thinking about how to make Communities better, raise property values, lead design teams from project conception through construction, balance the interests of various parties with competing interests (Owners, Building Officials, Engineers, and a Contractors), and accomplish that with a budget. As a Homeowner, Small Business Owner, Husband and Father of two, I am rooted in Lowell's Community, and committed to its success.
Service to one's Community is a privilege, and that's been my belief since I was a teenager on Long Island helping my family with matters of the North Bellmore Civic Association. In New Jersey, I served on the Morris Canal Greenway Commitee planning historical / cultural sites, public wayfinding, and the creation / restoration of park space. Locally on Lowell's Sustainability Council, we advised the City Council and City Manager on green initiatives and pathways for conformance with the Sustainable Lowell 2025 Master Plan. In support of my professional organization, the American Institute of Architects, I've served as the Chair of their National Codes and Standards Committee, Co-Chair of the Boston Society for Architecture's Codes Committee, and regularly contributed to AIA MA's Government Affairs Committee. Related efforts include work with U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development, the International Code Council, and the MA Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
- Practical Politics for a Sustainable Future - That means not making sweeping campaign promises that may or may not be feasible; it’s about continuing to protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the General Public as I’ve done in my career as an Architect, to the fullest extent I am able. We don't need another stock Politician with a disregard for fiscal responsibility; we need Public Officials with integrity, that speak candidly to their Constituents about the votes they make. Upholding professional decorum, offering reasoned debate, and seeking compromise. Let not perfection be the enemy of the good, nor performance politics distract from the People's Work needed to be done.
- The Status Quo Needs to Go! The cornerstone of this Campaign is a Constituent's Bill of Services. A list of ten key principles that every Voter in the District deserves, and nothing less. Reasonable access to office hours in-district, and at the State House. Fair consideration regardless of party affiliation. Candid conversation, a willingness to research, and recognition that following up is important. Publishing updates in multiple languages, and creating transparency in a presently opaque office. Attending Neighborhood and Community events, and maintaining a year-round public presence; not just during election years. Understanding the balance of listening, educating, and connecting Constituents to the Services they need.
- Experience Matters. The activities on Beacon Hill are based in an understanding of Long Term Planning. Legislative bills are complex, often nuanced in their overlap of varying issues. My work writing Building Codes and Standards, and analytical reports is similar in nature. These are skills honed over 15 years as a Registered Architect practicing in six states. Leadership requires more than a strong voice; it's about having a voice with something to say. It's about contributing to the work of a team, and sharing credit without ego. It's about knowing how to collaborate effectively with people who hold differing worldviews. It's about getting results.
Arts & Culture, Clean Energy & Climate Action, Education, Environmental Justice, Housing, Infrastructure, Job Training & Economic Growth, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Mental Health & Supporting the Unhoused Population, Zoning Reform
1) Professional. 2) Knowledgeable. 3) Integrity. 4) Accountable. 5) Accessible. 6) Proven Leadership. 7) Service to Community.
The skills that I've developed over the last 15 years as a Registered Architect directly inform why I will be a successful State Representative. I understand the needs of the Business Community, because I am a Small Business Owner. I spend every day talking with clients about how to make their lives and their communities better, and achieving those goals on a budget. I've served on Boards and Committees at the National, State, and Local levels, and understand how to balance the interests of parties with competing perspectives.
State Representatives are stewards for the Legislative Process alongside their counterparts in the State Senate. They propose and draft new legislation, put it forward for debate and consideration, and ultimately vote on these matters. This involves a combination of long-term planning and budgeting. State Representatives also provide Constituent Services to those living in their Districts which may include, but are not limited to: responding to concerns, navigating state or local government agencies, or advocating for a particular issue.
One's legacy, whether as an Elected Official, a Business Owner, a Professional, or a Parent, should always be to leave conditions better for the next generation than you found them.
The Gulf War and Operation DESERT STORM. I remember standing in our Kitchen, maybe 4 or 5 years old, and my mom being very concerned about the use of chemical / biological warfare.
My first job was as a Library Page at the North Bellmore Public Library in High School for about 3 years. I remember getting my working papers at 15, and continued there until I left for college in 2004.
"The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. That should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Objectivism, but rather as recognition of a very insightful study of the Architectural Profession through a fictional lens. All the more impressive being written by someone that is not a practicing architect. At a fundamental level, every Architect wants to be a Howard Roark, though we may better identify with Peter Keating.
The combination of an analytical mind paired with high professional standards often results in insomnia. This has been true since I was a child in school focused on achieving good grades, through my professional career. I like solving problems, and thinking through creative solutions to them. That design process doesn't fit neatly into the strict 9-5 hours of a day job; it's common that I'll figure out those ideas while eating dinner, lying in bed, or even taking a shower. It can be a struggle to relax, "turn off," or reduce stress when there is something intellectually stimulating to consider.
1) Reducing the High Cost of Living. 2) Addressing the Housing Crisis. 3) Meeting Climate and Energy Policy goals. 4) Fostering Economic Development to keep our Commonwealth competitive.
Yes; Experience Matters.
Yes; it is not only beneficial, it is necessary. The MA State House has 140 State Representatives and 60 State Senators. The better those 200 individuals and the Governor work together, and with their counterparts in Local Government, the more effectively policy can advance.
There are many legislators, past and present, that I admire for various reasons, but my aspiration is always to put forward the best Andrew Kollar that I can be. I respect the quality of Constituent Services presently rendered by Representatives Rodney Elliott (16th Middlesex) and Vanna Howard (17th Middlesex), and State Senator Edward Kennedy (1st Middlesex), and am committed to bringing that to the 18th Middlesex District.
TBD. If one were to glance at my 1998 yearbook from Newbridge Road Elementary School, on page 8 is a 6th grade photograph of me with my aspirational profession below listed as "President." With 26 years of maturing since then, my present focus is on Public Service at the State level. I will not rule out the possibility of running for higher office in the future, but is not a priority at this time.
The Lowell Highlands Neighborhood Association hosted a Candidates Forum on 10 June 2024. The Lowell Police Department provided their Monthly Crime Report beforehand, and fielded questions from the Community about ongoing speeding concerns on Westford Street (particularly near Tyler Park). I've seen my neighbors pets hit by cars, and the possibility that could be a child scares me greatly. Though each of the three (3) Candidates in this Race were in attendance, only one (1) took action to try to improve safety conditions in this area. I shared the City's Map of Special Speed Regulations with the group, then studied the issue further to identify a deficiency in speed limit sign postings going in both directions between Wood Street and Chelmsford Street. These findings were shared with the City's Traffic Engineer, and the wheels were set in motion less than two (2) months later to provide additional signage which in turn can support better Police enforcement. The pursuit of further action to formally reduce the Speed Limit to 25mph (comparable to most of the City) will be discussed with the Neighborhood Association, and then with the City Council provided there is sufficient Public Support.
The Governor has the authority to declare a State of Emergency and grant emergency powers. This is appropriate for the time-sensitive nature of the action, and fitting with the Executive Branch of our State Government. It is reasonable that the Legislature as part of Checks and Balances, have the authority to provide oversight thereof, and to curtail or extend those powers.
"An Act to Establish an Ethical Framework for Generative AI" - The City of Lowell's motto is "Art is the Handmaid of Human Good" and we are home / host to hundreds of artists; many of whom are concerned by this existential threat to their livelihood. The rapid proliferation of Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence), a process whereby someone inputs a text description into a search box, and a series of "artistic" representations thereof is produced by the machine. The training of these engines is often sourced unethically. This bill would establish guardrails that require AI engines to train using Open Source, Public Domain, and non-Copyrightable images, or those authorized by an Artist for whom fair compensation is provided for participation (Licensed Content). It would also require some form of disclosure delineating if a piece of art is created in part or in whole using Generative AI.
1) Joint Committee on Housing. 2) Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. 3) Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
I believe in, and practice Fiscal Responsibility. Government Accountability is equally important; it is the foundation for Public Confidence in our institutions.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Massachusetts House of Representatives 18th Middlesex District |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 2, 2024
Current members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Ronald Mariano
Majority Leader:Michael Moran
Representatives
Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket District
Thomas Moakley (D)
1st Barnstable District
Chris Flanagan (D)
1st Berkshire District
John Barrett (D)
1st Bristol District
Michael Chaisson (R)
1st Essex District
Dawne Shand (D)
1st Franklin District
Natalie Blais (D)
1st Hampden District
Todd Smola (R)
1st Hampshire District
Lindsay Sabadosa (D)
1st Middlesex District
1st Norfolk District
Bruce Ayers (D)
1st Plymouth District
Michelle Badger (D)
1st Suffolk District
Adrian Madaro (D)
1st Worcester District
2nd Barnstable District
Kip Diggs (D)
2nd Berkshire District
2nd Bristol District
James Hawkins (D)
2nd Essex District
Kristin Kassner (D)
2nd Franklin District
Susannah Whipps (U)
2nd Hampden District
Brian Ashe (D)
2nd Hampshire District
Homar Gomez (D)
2nd Middlesex District
James Arciero (D)
2nd Norfolk District
Tackey Chan (D)
2nd Plymouth District
John Gaskey (R)
2nd Suffolk District
Daniel Ryan (D)
2nd Worcester District
Jonathan Zlotnik (D)
3rd Barnstable District
David Vieira (R)
3rd Berkshire District
Leigh Davis (D)
3rd Bristol District
Lisa Field (D)
3rd Essex District
Andy Vargas (D)
3rd Hampden District
Nicholas Boldyga (R)
3rd Hampshire District
Mindy Domb (D)
3rd Middlesex District
Kate Hogan (D)
3rd Norfolk District
Ronald Mariano (D)
3rd Plymouth District
Joan Meschino (D)
3rd Suffolk District
Aaron Michlewitz (D)
3rd Worcester District
4th Barnstable District
Hadley Luddy (D)
4th Bristol District
Steven Howitt (R)
4th Essex District
Estela Reyes (D)
4th Hampden District
Kelly Pease (R)
4th Middlesex District
4th Norfolk District
James Murphy (D)
4th Plymouth District
4th Suffolk District
David Biele (D)
4th Worcester District
Natalie Higgins (D)
5th Barnstable District
Steven Xiarhos (R)
5th Bristol District
Justin Thurber (R)
5th Essex District
5th Hampden District
Patricia Duffy (D)
5th Middlesex District
David Linsky (D)
5th Norfolk District
Mark Cusack (D)
5th Plymouth District
David DeCoste (R)
5th Suffolk District
5th Worcester District
6th Bristol District
Carole Fiola (D)
6th Essex District
Hannah Bowen (D)
6th Hampden District
Michael Finn (D)
6th Middlesex District
Priscila Sousa (D)
6th Norfolk District
William Galvin (D)
6th Plymouth District
Kenneth Sweezey (R)
6th Suffolk District
Russell Holmes (D)
6th Worcester District
John Marsi (R)
7th Bristol District
Alan Silvia (D)
7th Essex District
Manny Cruz (D)
7th Hampden District
Aaron Saunders (D)
7th Middlesex District
Jack Lewis (D)
7th Norfolk District
Richard Wells (D)
7th Plymouth District
Alyson Sullivan (R)
7th Suffolk District
Chynah Tyler (D)
7th Worcester District
Paul Frost (R)
8th Bristol District
Steven Ouellette (D)
8th Essex District
Jenny Armini (D)
8th Hampden District
Shirley Arriaga (D)
8th Middlesex District
8th Norfolk District
Edward Philips (D)
8th Plymouth District
Dennis Gallagher (D)
8th Suffolk District
Jay Livingstone (D)
8th Worcester District
Michael Soter (R)
9th Bristol District
9th Essex District
Donald Wong (R)
9th Hampden District
Orlando Ramos (D)
9th Middlesex District
Thomas Stanley (D)
9th Norfolk District
Marcus Vaughn (R)
9th Plymouth District
Bridget Plouffe (D)
9th Suffolk District
John Moran (D)
9th Worcester District
David Muradian (R)
10th Bristol District
Mark Sylvia (D)
10th Essex District
Dan Cahill (D)
10th Hampden District
Carlos Gonzalez (D)
10th Middlesex District
John Lawn (D)
10th Norfolk District
Jeffrey Roy (D)
10th Plymouth District
Michelle DuBois (D)
10th Suffolk District
Bill MacGregor (D)
10th Worcester District
Brian Murray (D)
11th Bristol District
11th Essex District
Sean Reid (D)
11th Hampden District
Bud Williams (D)
11th Middlesex District
Amy Sangiolo (D)
11th Norfolk District
Paul McMurtry (D)
11th Plymouth District
Rita Mendes (D)
11th Suffolk District
Judith García (D)
11th Worcester District
Hannah Kane (R)
12th Bristol District
Norman Orrall (R)
12th Essex District
Thomas Walsh (D)
12th Hampden District
Angelo Puppolo (D)
12th Middlesex District
Greg Schwartz (D)
12th Norfolk District
John Rogers (D)
12th Plymouth District
Kathleen LaNatra (D)
12th Suffolk District
Brandy Oakley (D)
12th Worcester District
Meghan Kilcoyne (D)
13th Bristol District
Antonio Cabral (D)
13th Essex District
Sally Kerans (D)
13th Middlesex District
Carmine Gentile (D)
13th Norfolk District
Joshua Tarsky (D)
13th Suffolk District
Daniel Hunt (D)
13th Worcester District
John Mahoney (D)
14th Bristol District
Adam Scanlon (D)
14th Essex District
Adrianne Ramos (D)
14th Middlesex District
Simon Cataldo (D)
14th Norfolk District
Alice Peisch (D)
14th Suffolk District
Rob Consalvo (D)
14th Worcester District
James O'Day (D)
15th Essex District
Ryan Hamilton (D)
15th Middlesex District
Michelle Ciccolo (D)
15th Norfolk District
Tommy Vitolo (D)
15th Suffolk District
Sam Montaño (D)
15th Worcester District
Mary Keefe (D)
16th Essex District
16th Middlesex District
Rodney Elliott (D)
16th Suffolk District
Jessica Giannino (D)
16th Worcester District
Daniel Donahue (D)
17th Essex District
Frank Moran (D)
17th Middlesex District
Vanna Howard (D)
17th Suffolk District
Kevin Honan (D)
17th Worcester District
David LeBoeuf (D)
18th Essex District
Tram Nguyen (D)
18th Middlesex District
Tara Hong (D)
18th Suffolk District
Michael Moran (D)
18th Worcester District
Joseph McKenna (R)
19th Middlesex District
19th Suffolk District
Jeffrey Turco (D)
19th Worcester District
Kate Donaghue (D)
20th Middlesex District
Bradley Jones (R)
21st Middlesex District
Kenneth Gordon (D)
22nd Middlesex District
Marc Lombardo (R)
23rd Middlesex District
Sean Garballey (D)
24th Middlesex District
David Rogers (D)
25th Middlesex District
Marjorie Decker (D)
26th Middlesex District
Mike Connolly (D)
27th Middlesex District
28th Middlesex District
Joseph McGonagle (D)
29th Middlesex District
Steven Owens (D)
30th Middlesex District
Richard Haggerty (D)
31st Middlesex District
Michael Day (D)
32nd Middlesex District
33rd Middlesex District
Steven Ultrino (D)
34th Middlesex District
Christine Barber (D)
35th Middlesex District
Paul Donato (D)
36th Middlesex District
Colleen Garry (D)
37th Middlesex District
Danillo Sena (D)
Democratic Party (134)
Republican Party (25)
Unenrolled (1)
