Peter Bowman (Democrat), is running for re-election for Maine Senate District 1.
Tell us something about yourself.
– 71 years “young”; athletically energetic
– Married (Suzanne), 3 grown children (one significantly learning disabled), 2 grandchildren
– Enjoy meeting people (e.g., campaigning door-to-door)
– Technically oriented, graphical thinker; experienced decision-maker
Education: BS Electrical Engineering (Cornell University); MS Ocean Engineering (MIT); MS Management (MIT)
– 30 years in US Navy (including Shipyard Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard); 11 years in private sector manufacturing (VP); 20 years in non-profit leadership positions
Commissioner, 1993 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC)
– 2 years, Maine Senate; most fulfilling task: helping constituents with their problems
– 2005 Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (co-recipient)
Why are you running for this position?
I am running again for re-election as State Senator from District 1 (York, Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick and Ogunquit) for several reasons.
First: I believe that the 123rd Legislature made significant progress in advancing the array of critical issues (e.g., fiscal, educational, economic, health care, environmental) that it faced, especially when viewed in the context of the state and national economic down-turn. However, much work remains, and I want to be a part of that critical effort!
Second: I found my last two years in Augusta to be among the most rewarding, enriching and educational experiences of my life! I found that I was able to successfully apply my over 40 years of leadership experience to a number of difficult issues. Because of the contentious and critical nature of some of these issues, I experienced situations and responsibilities in my initial term that others might not have experienced in several terms in the Legislature. I would like to continue this extremely stimulating personal enrichment and education!
Finally, but not last in priority, I have found that helping my constituents, has been a most fulfilling experience. Two years ago, I asked my opponent why he continued to run for the Legislature term after term. He replied that he did so because of the satisfaction he received in helping his constituents solve their problems. He was so correct! I cannot solve everyone’s problem; some are clearly intractable. But I have been able to achieve beneficial results for most of them, and I put great effort into all of them. This experience has helped me through the long grind of the last two year’s Legislative sessions and I want to be able to continue to experience this most rewarding work!
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Senate District 1?
The most important issues facing local communities and the state in the next legislative term (124th) are quite similar and interrelated. They include (not necessarily in order of importance):
(1) Keeping people, local and statewide, warm for the winter in the face of high energy costs. Some progress has been made in addressing this issue (e.g., LIHEAP, Keep Me Warm), but more remains to be done (e.g., increase fuel assistance funding, help for the middle class).
(2) Improving Maine’s economy, at both local and state levels, in this difficult time of a national recession and financial crisis (e.g., reducing state spending, reducing the state income tax rate structure, resubmitting my bill to institute a high-level, BRAC-like review to reduce state spending, making Maine more business-friendly).
(3) Balancing the state’s budget (which has great local impact) in light of projected decreased revenues (and therefore decreased spending) while minimizing the “damage” caused by decreased services (e.g., mental healthcare, general assistance).
(4) Upgrading local and state transportation infrastructure (e.g., bridges, roads, rail) during this time of national recession.
(5) Fostering alternative energy sources/usage and conservation strategies. Although we have seen recent drops in energy prices, they surely will not continue in the long term.
(6) Refining the school district consolidation statute. As originally submitted, the “Governor’s bill” was deeply flawed. It is much improved now but not good enough.
(7) Improving health care for Mainers. I strongly believe that we need a form of national health care, but until that occurs we need to take care of our own, and Dirigo Health is both highly controversial and far from perfect.
4. If re-elected, what priorities will you have for your term in office?
- Ensuring the welfare of my constituents including keeping everyone warm and resolving constituent problems.
- Helping to skillfully balance the Maine’s budget as required by the state’s constitution.
- Improving the school district consolidation statute (e.g., for Kittery)
- Taking steps to improve Maine’s economy (e.g., reduce taxes and spending, support higher education, improving transportation infrastructure, make Maine more business friendly).
- Fostering alternative energy sources/usage/conservation strategies.
- Improving health care for Mainers (e.g., Dirigo Health funding).
What strengths, skills, and qualifications would you bring to the office?
- 40 plus years of leadership experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors
- 2 years experience in Maine Senate; Senate Chair of Education Committee; strongly respected on both sides of the aisle
- Strong technical education/orientation and experience
- Extremely strong knowledge and advocacy experience for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Fiscally conservative
- Great energy!
Peter Bowman’s web site Peter Bowman’s email
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