And then there were three. A third candidate has joined the hunt for the Place 1 seat on the Flower Mound Town Council this May.
Joy Bowen announced Friday that she will run for the seat currently held by Kendra Stephenson, who is seeking a second term.
Planning & Zoning member Mike Walker has also has filed to run in Place 1.
Bowen said that community support and the desire to be an independent voice prompted her to run for a spot on town council.
“I’ve had many people encouraging me to run and represent the voice of the people” said Bowen. “I am putting my name on the ballot out of a sincere desire to serve my neighbors and bring an outside perspective to the table. We need an independent thinker on council. It’s time to change the climate of political drama here in our great town. This council votes unanimously on most issues and healthy dissension ultimately makes for better decision making.”
A nine-year resident of Flower Mound, Bowen said that she believes strongly in economic development for the growing town, but not at any price.
“In my opinion, our town cannot afford to continue to give away our commercial tax base potential in exchange for high density zoning that will put severe stress on our infrastructure and ultimately diminish our quality of life. I represent a balanced approach to our growing town and feel strongly that we need to pursue true economic development to help maintain our unique character and quality of life. While we are a great place for business and residential growth – and growth is inevitable – it needs to be balanced.”
Bowen said she is an advocate of SMARTGrowth and the Town’s Master Plan.
“The choices we make today will ultimately impact generations to come. I want to protect our Conservation Districts, uphold our SMARTGrowth criteria and safe guard our oil and gas ordinances before those are dismantled along with the rest of our Master Plan. If we don’t follow a well thought road map, our town will end up on a road to nowhere.”
If elected, Bowen said she is determined to bring about increased community involvement.
“Sadly, most of us haven’t paid close attention until the consequences of decisions made showed up on our very own doorstep. That needs to stop. We can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand and assume decisions will be made in our best interest. We need transparent leadership now more than ever.”
Bowen said the alleged involvement of town officials in the school rezoning debate has motivated her.
“In light of the extensive attempts by Town Council to cover up and mislead the community on root cause of the school rezoning, we find ourselves with a decision to make.” said Bowen.
“The school rezoning fiasco, dismantling of our SMARTGrowth criteria in regards to our schools and the amendment to our Master Plan that allows for up to 70% residential in our premier spot for economic development did not have to happen. Should we continue on this path? We are only beginning to feel the consequences of the pendulum swung too far in favor of developers…all at the expense of our children. The task ahead is daunting but I feel an obligation to serve my fellow neighbors. Together, we can ensure this town remains one of the best places to live in the DFW Metroplex.”
Bowen is a graduate from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Psychology. Her previous experience includes serving as a Deputy Director for Governor Pete Wilson of California (1996) and a representative for Deputy Mayor of the City of San Diego (1997).
Bowen is currently a consultant and coach to church leaders in family ministry through her work with Orange; a non-profit, parachurch organization. She also volunteers as a worship leader at Valley Creek Church, at the CCA Food Pantry and at her sons’ schools.
Bowen has been married to her husband, Andrew, for 16 years and they have two sons who attend McKamy Middle School and Wellington Elementary.
The last day to register to vote in the May 11 election is April 11.
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