McDowell Running for Council on Democratic Ticket

Bob McDowell is the lone Democrat who submitted his petition to run in the June 8 primary election.

McDowell, 66 of Knollwood Avenue, is a retired 31-year veteran of Chase Manhattan Bank where he served as senior project manager, market manager,  and in project management on the technology side during his tenure.

"I have been retired for a while now," McDowell said. "I had been thinking about this off and on, though I've never done it before. I think my background, I was heavily into products that require a lot of cost control and marketing, and cost service ... is helpful in these times when money is thin.

"Plus I wanted to get a better sense of the community and learn what is in their minds and represent them."

McDowell, who has lived in Madison for 23 years, received his B.A. from Catholic University and his Masters in mathematics at Johns Hopkins. He also received an MBA from St. John's University. He and his late wife, Kathleen, had two sons and a daughter, all of whom are grown.

On what issues he thinks are important he said, "The community is concerned with projects involving athletics, public services, and I have a long experience of product and project management. I would like to help decide on what the right priorities are in the community and ensure they get implemented. ... I have experience prioritizing projects and seeing them through to successful completion."

This year there are two seats up for grabs, as the terms of Council President Jeannie Tsukamoto (R) and Councilwoman Astri Baillie (D) are expiring. Baillie, who is in her third straight term on the council, is not seeking re-election.

Tsukamoto is seeking re-election and, along with Rob Catalanello, is running on the Republican ticket for the June 8 primary.