Bill Bowes

Bill Bowes graduated from Roncalli High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Asbury University in 1981. His career experience includes working as a firefighter and paramedic.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a very happy husband, father, and grandfather. I have three children and seven grandchildren, all in the Omaha area.

I have lived in Sarpy County for over 30 years, with 17 of those years spent as the Papillion Fire Chief. I love my state and my community. I was blessed to be able to serve as a member of the fire department and am excited to continue my service in the state legislature.

My hope for every parent is that their children get a great education, find their careers here in Nebraska, and raise their families here so generations of families can be together.

We need to reign in our taxes and grow our state. Let's rework our tax system to make it fair and effective. The days of taxing people out of their homes has to stop. We want businesses to come into Nebraska. We need to be competitive with neighboring states in attracting new businesses, but we cannot give our future away in doing so. We should also promote tourism to bring in visitors. Nebraska is a beautiful state with so many great places to visit.

In my career, I have worked with local and county governments, giving me an excellent perspective on how state legislative actions affect our communities. I have engaged with law enforcement agencies and emergency management on real-life situations and in planned excerises.

I am ready to serve.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I love to serve people. I want to help make Nebraska a place where our young people stay and find careers, and our senior citizens can enjoy retirement - a place where families can stay together.My college degree is in secondary education. I was a middle and high school math and science teacher before joining the fire department. I know the importance and value of providing our children with a quality education. We must give teachers the tools and resources they need. We must encourage parental involvement in their child's education.One of the tasks before the legislature is to make Nebraska a more affordable place to live. From a government standpoint, this means reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, letting the free market thrive. It means limiting the size and scope of government - creating efficiencies, improving transparency, and reducing taxes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to work to rehabilitate our tax structure. We know that the government needs funding to operate. Let's make our taxes as low as possible while maintaining necessary functions. Our tax system should be fair to all.

Public safety is one of the basic services that government provides. This will always be a priority of mine.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have a great deal of respect for Papillion's Mayor, David Black. He is a strong advocate for the city, he is open and fair, and he respects people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, Listener, Openness, Optimist

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to one's constituents, to be clear on one's values, to vote for what is best for one's community and state

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was able to show God's love for people by being respectful and caring, working to make our corner of the world a better place.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a stock boy at a K-Mart. I held that job for one year while in high school.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As with any family, there have been trying times, but we came out of each situation stronger and closer. The same holds true in my professional life. We dealt with each situation and handled everything in the best way we could.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The two branches should be willing to work together for the greater good of the citizens of the state. Both sides contribute ideas, energy, and principles.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Tax policy and growing the state will be our most significant challenges.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Some issues may require compromise to make things better, but there are certainly some issues that cannot be compromised on.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

US Congressman Mike Flood, State Auditor Mike Foley, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, Sarpy County Commissioners Angi Burmeister, Jim Warren, Gary Mixan, Don Kelly, and David Klug. Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London, Retired Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis, Metro Community College Board Governor Fred Uhe.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The assassination of JFK. I was five years old and saw the news report on television. I remember my mother crying.