Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Bowen, RTM District 9

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Fairfield will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 7, Fairfield Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Jim Bowen

How old will you be as of Election Day?

54

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://jim-bowen.wixsite.com/...

What city or town do you live in?

Fairfield

What office are you seeking?

Representative Town Meeting

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

District 9

Please give us your party affiliation.

Unaffiliated

Education.

MS, Systems Engineering; MS, Aerospace Science; BS, Aerospace Engineering – University of Virginia

What is your occupation?

Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired after 28 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Heidi and I have a daughter at Roger Ludlowe Middle School, and I have two grown daughters; one is a 6th Grade Science teacher and the other is a Forensics DNA Analyst.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe in civic duty and giving back to the community. There are things I think we can improve to make our District and Town better and I want to be part of the solution.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe the single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the large property tax growth over the last four years; 12.2% on average across the District. I have visited the homes of over 2,400 voters since I started campaigning on August 10th; this is the most common topic of conversation. To address this issue, I bring 12 years of extensive budget work and eight years of education background to the table.

The RTM is the sole body vested with the authority to approve and appropriate funding for the town budget; a huge responsibility impacting every facet of life in Fairfield. I will work with my fellow RTM members to make our budget review process more rigorous and challenge every dollar in the Town budget proposal ensuring all appropriated funding makes Fairfield better. A strong budget review/approval process is key to arresting the large growth in property taxes impacting so many families in D9.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

First, I am the only unaffiliated candidate on the ballot. I will not answer to a party, I will be the independent voice focused solely on the citizens of D9. Second, I bring a unique set of skills to the job. I spent 28 years in the Air Force leading every day; I know how to build teams that win. I have 12 years of extensive budget experience; seven years I personally built and executed multi-million-dollar budgets and for five years I worked multi-billion-dollar budgets with the Senate and House oversight committees; I know how to build efficient, effective budgets. Third, I spent three years as a professor at the University of Notre Dame and five years teaching students to fly the F-15E fighter jet in combat; I know how to resource education programs. Finally, I am retired; my full time and attention will be devoted to representing the citizens of D9.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

We need elected leaders focused on the needs of the District, not the needs of a Party. We need elected officials that communicate with us continuously and that are present every day in the District so they know the needs, hopes, and wants of their constituents. These are critical to effectively representing the people of our District.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to the budget, the three things I most often hear from constituents are they want a transparent/accountable government, good schools, and safe streets. As an unaffiliated member, I will ask the questions others will not during hearings and meetings and I will communicate with the district continuously to bring the transparency and accountability they deserve. I will use my education background to review all aspects of the budget and ensure the proper resources are provided to give our kids the great education they deserve. Finally, I will work closely with local police and planning boards/commissions to make our streets safe for our families.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The RTM is about effectively representing your district via teamwork, leadership, and actively solving the many complex issues facing our town. During my 28 years in the Air Force, I was promoted to the rank of full Colonel, a senior leader in the top 1% of the 1.4 million strong military. I am a decorated combat veteran; my leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills have been tested and proven under the most demanding circumstances. I was competitively selected four different times to command units; there is no greater responsibility given to military officers than that of command. I have a long track-record of building and leading teams that win; teams that were tested and prevailed. I am ready to put those same skills to work serving D9.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never walk past a problem; fix it.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The voters see me out in the district every single day; they know my dedication and passion firsthand. I want the opportunity to serve you and help make our District and Town stronger.