Jim Bowers is taking a second crack at the Delaware House of Representatives, and this time around he hopes a longer campaign season will lead to a better result for him.
Bowers, a Republican, is challenging Bryon Short, who defeated him last April in a special election following the March resignation of Wayne Smith.
“Last time the voters spoke, but we had a short election cycle,” he said. “This time we have a full cycle and I’m going to be able to get out and listen to the people and get to know them all a little better. And there are a lot of people pretty fired up over the budget.”
Bowers said his top priority, if elected, would be to lead the call to restore fiscal responsibility to the state government.
“We’re spending more money than we have" in Dover, he said. “We’re the second in the country when it comes to per capita spending, and that can’t continue. Often I ask Mrs. Bowers if I can spend more money than we have, and she always seems to say no.”
While supporting budget cuts, Bowers said he was committed to making sure tax dollars made their way to the classroom, calling for a hard look at school district administrators.
Like his opponents, Bowers said he would fight to bring transparency to the General Assembly. He said he would “bring the fight to a new level” to end backroom deals and allow citizens to see firsthand what is happening in Dover.
In Brandywine Hundred, Bowers pledged to fight to control development and thereby limit traffic congestion. He said his commitment to preserve open space is evident in his efforts to use the old Channin Elementary School on Naamans Road as a home for the Concord Soccer Association.
Bowers also said he would be a vocal advocate for the area against increasing air noise from planes using the Philadelphia International Airport.
“We have to make sure we’re represented at the table where decisions are being made,” he said. “I was one of the first people to write a check to a lawyer who is representing this community in the negotiations.”
After nearly three decades in sales with Verizon, Bowers recently was named Vice President of New Business Development for McCoy Enterprises, a company specializing in employee training. He said his customer service background would be an asset in the General Assembly.
“I look forward to bringing my 28 years of customer and constituent service in the private sector and this community to the legislature,” he said. “I am seeking this seat because I believe I can make a positive impact in the General Assembly for the people of the 7th District.”
Bowers, 49, lives in Clair Manor with his wife Becky and four children.
