Who is James H. Bowers, 2023 Republican candidate for Charlotte City Council District 3?
Name: James H. Bowers
Political party: Republican
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
City Council District 3
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 66
Campaign website: jameshbowersforcitycouncil.com
Occupation: Semi-retired
Education: College
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
Sought City Council District 3 office in 2022
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Mentor with “Young Men of Valor” organization
Charlotte Motor Vehicle Review Board
Project manager for a non-profit recycling program
Development-related issues frequently come before the City Council. If elected, what would your approach be to those decisions?
I will work in collaboration with other City Council members to make sound decisions which are best for our city and respective districts
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
These “value-added” decisions will be determined on the proposals that are formally presented to council.
What’s the best thing the City Council has done for Charlotte in the last 4 years? And what’s the worst thing?
City Council finding funding for “Affordable Housing” and turning around the negative status of Charlotte as being ranked “50th out of 50” worst cities for upward economic mobility.
One of the items that will need attention is building trust with the community. During the last few cycles City Council has continued to allow an uptick in multi-family unit development.
Also, City Council has talked a lot about “Affordable Housing” but what gets lost in their delivery are the other costs (food, electricity, taxes, etc.) which is making Charlotte un-affordable. We have to be diligent in helping and not forgetting the people of Charlotte who put us in our position.
CATS has faced turmoil in the last year. What are, in your view, the most significant issues facing the system, and what role should the City Council play in solving problems?
City Council should take the lead on hiring effective leaders and being accountable for their success.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
Leandro Case. Those counties who need these monies should have the monies released to them
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
My finance experience in the mortgage and automobile industries obtaining millions of dollars of transactions which provided funding for automobile applications and affordable mortgages to numerous families. Five years experience as Project manager for non-profit recycling program. Many years serving the city of Charlotte on the Motor Vehicle Review Board in collaborating with others. These experiences and others have honed and developed the leadership skills necessary for leadership at City Council and beyond.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Providing millions in funding for “affordable housing” applicants.
