Bowlby, a former Cerro Gordo resident, is running in the 15th Congressional District Primary
What inspired you to enter the race?
For some time, I had been watching the news and grown increasingly frustrated with the extreme positions and lack of cooperation among our government officials. I kept saying to myself “there has got to be a better way.”
I looked around and saw constituents in the 15th district were struggling to pay for everyday necessities like housing, groceries and healthcare. They are facing job loss, stagnant wages, and instability in the healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. Rural healthcare is facing a crisis with hospital closures and provider shortages leading to reduced access to care and worse outcomes for patients.
The current Congresswoman’s lack of focus and absence on key issues facing the district, her lack of policy to support agricultural stability, business growth, and a standard of living that supports the middle class has lead to a dwindling population in our rural communities. I often heard from people in the district about her “absence” in returning phone calls and simply “showing up”. The people of District 15 deserve better.
I am running to represent the middle class and advocate for policy that improves the lives of the constituents in the 15 th district.
What have you learned about citizens in District 15 that has surprised you?
As I traveled throughout the 35 counties, I have found the people are not as divided as our politicians are in Washington. The extremism of the far right and far left is creating an atmosphere where nothing is getting done and we (the people) are left “holding the bag”. The people I have met are hard working Americans that just want to provide for their families and see their communities come back to the level they once were when things as they say “were normal”.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing citizens today?
The district represents 31% of Illinois’ total agricultural sales and farmers are facing another difficult season due to tariff policy, low crop prices, and high production costs.
The largest employment industry in the district is healthcare and rural healthcare is facing a crisis with hospital closures and provider shortages leading to reduced access to care and worse outcomes.
Manufacturing is the second largest employment sector in the district, and it has suffered from volatile tariffs and supply chain chaos leading to reduced investment and hiring.
Constituents need a representative in Congress engaged on these issues and willing to work within the Republican Party and negotiate across the aisle to deliver policies that address these needs. The current Congresswoman’s lack of focus and absence on the issues facing the district is leading to greater reliance on government services and social programs and leading to a poor standard of living for the middle class. I want to see that change and believe I am the start to that change.
The first and most effective way to bring immediate relief to the people in the district is to request Community Project Funding for communities and initiatives throughout the district. This is the most pressing issue being ignored by the current officeholder and can be addressed immediately with little effort as all members of Congress are entitled to these funds. Unfortunately, units of local government and organizations have been unable to access funding due to Miller’s longstanding refusal to participate in this funding mechanism on their behalf.
Only recently, when faced with primary challengers, has she had a “change of heart” on this issue.
Funds can be used by communities for a variety of projects including improving water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, roads, bridges, resources for fire departments and first responders, eliminating blight and remediating hazardous structures, along with addressing other public safety and infrastructure needs.
Additionally, funds can be used by non-profits for community needs like health, education, and social services like food banks.
I would immediately apply for funding to distribute the millions of dollars the district has been entitled to but not receiving for the last 5 1/2 years due to Mary’s absence on this opportunity…we have a lot of time to make up! This will save the taxpayers money by using federal resources to improve the communities in the district instead of taxpayers using local resources and local tax dollars for eligible federal projects.
How will your prior work in help as a representative?
I have 30 years’ experience in healthcare and government affairs where I worked in a bipartisan manner to bring opposing sides together to pass policy for the benefit of the citizens of Illinois and other states.
In one particular instance, I was able to get healthcare legislation passed with bipartisan support that improved access to critical healthcare for Illinois citizens.
That legislation was then used as a model and adopted by 10 additional states.
On the majority of bills that were passed, I was successful in procuring Republicans and Democrats to co-sponsor the legislation by demonstrating it was good policy for all their constituents.
My efforts also involved coordinating advocacy groups, associations, and citizens, including personally recruiting high-profile supporters like Muhammad Ali, to testify before committees on behalf of legislation I was shepherding through the General Assembly.
I have deep contacts in government and business across Illinois and would leverage my network and established relationships to expedite the process of developing evidenced-based policy while remaining willing to negotiate and compromise to bring relief to the people in the 15th district.
Additionally, I have experience as a national and international ambassador with the Illinois and American Soybean Associations speaking on domestic and foreign stages about the benefits of the Illinois soybean. That experience will be beneficial to farmers and the agribusiness industry in terms of understanding complex domestic and global market dynamics.
When I go to Washington I plan to apply for CPF (federal money) and bring back
to the district dollars they have missed out on for the last 51/2 years from our
current Congress person. There is no reason to use local tax dollars when
federal money is available. I won’t need the assistance of the other 434
representatives to do this.
I would then seek a position on the Ag and Healthcare Committees due to my
extensive background in these areas.
In summary below is the agenda I would focus on for my term:
Home- Focus on the economics of food and housing, while increasing job
opportunities in our community. Support legislation for a more just tax structure
for the middle class who is carrying the burden for the rest of the country. Most
importantly, we must protect our children and create an environment based on
safety, opportunity and loving support so their memories of childhood will be
happy ones.
Healthcare-Advocating for affordable healthcare solutions to ensure everyone
has access to necessary medical services. Protect Social Security and Medicare
benefits. Explore ways to expand drug assistance programs with the private
sector. Support legislation and ways to fund our local rural hospitals and clinics
so that the elderly and physically challenged have access to quality healthcare.
Community- Focus on supporting our family farms and small businesses without
interference from unreasonable government bureaucracy. Supporting local
businesses through initiatives that stimulate economic development and job
creation in our communities. Request and secure project funding to assist
community needs for the 15th District.
Country- We are Americans FIRST. Stop the rhetoric which divides this country
and work on meaningful pertinent legislation and policy to improve the lives of the people of the 15th district. We must support our Veterans who fought fearlessly to defend this country and keep it the UNITED States of America.
Together, we can build a stronger, more united community that prioritizes the
well-being of every citizen.
6. How has your upbringing in Piatt County shaped you as a person?
I believe my experiences are much like others who grow up in a small town in
Illinois. Most of the people who grow up in these communities have no
pretenses…what you see is what you get…like it or not (lol). It is a place where
the community supports one another. Let me give you an example. When I was
15 my uncle fell off the roof of the barn, breaking both legs and was in traction for weeks, not knowing if he would walk again. Of course this happened right before harvest. The whole community came to the rescue by bringing in the crops that Fall, building ramps for our home, helping with transportation and “showing up” to do what was ever needed.
So to answer your question, growing up in a community like I just described
means I am a person that is “real”, what you see is what you get. I will be there
when you need me, I will show up and I will work hard with unbridled
determination to get the job done!
7. How would you describe yourself to people who don’t know you?
In addition to the personality traits I have mentioned in the other questions I
would describe my personality traits in layers.
What I mean is that the first thing people see is that I am very approachable, friendly and outgoing with a sense of humor. The next layer would demonstrate my affection for whatever cause I am working on. Then they would see my determination to not let go of a cause or task until it is accomplished. Finally at the inner core is what was instilled in me with the 2 wonderful people who raised me, my aunt and uncle- that I will courageously walk through the dark cloud of fear to do what is right and honest for others and THAT is what is needed today for a brighter future for tomorrow.
Mark Twain said this “It is curious that physical courage should be so common in
the world and moral courage so rare”. Eleanor Roosevelt said “you gain
strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look
fear in the face.” John F. Kennedy said “We can compromise our political
positions, but not ourselves”.
Fear will not stop me from being courageous and I will never compromise my
moral character.
8. Can you tell me a little bit about your work history?
I was raised by my aunt and uncle on a small farm in central Illinois. I worked
hard on the farm until attending EIU in Charleston Illinois. For a year during my
college I served as an ambassador with the American Soybean Association
traveling across the United States and abroad creating markets for the soybean
farmer.
I then graduated with a degree in Clinical Psychology and worked as a counselor
at Southeastern Illinois Mental Health Center and Coles County Mental Health
Center. During my career as a mental health counselor I helped people of all
ages with life problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship
issues and Veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome.
My life then took a turn and I went to work for the pharmaceutical industry calling on physicians, pharmacists, small rural health hospitals and teaching institutions (U of I and SIU) for the next 8 years in the district I am running for office.
Following those years, I then spent the next 30 years working with the health
industry as a Government Affairs representative. I worked with Democrats and
Republicans negotiating policy and legislation finding a middle ground so laws
could finally get enacted to benefit the people of Illinois and surrounding states.
My experience led to my appointment by the Illinois Senate to be a member of
the Illinois Controlled Substance Board and a member of the Illinois Public Health Association Task Force.
My longtime experience in the pharmaceutical industry, led to my appointment by the late, previous Governor Jim Edgar to appoint me to the Governor’s Pharmaceutical Task Force. Our mission was to examine pharmaceutical cost issues facing the state and the people of Illinois. During my tenure as a government affairs manager, I worked with numerous advocacy groups and associations (Mental Health Association of Illinois, Arthritis Foundation, Parkinson’s Association, Prevent Blindness and others) to expand
access to needed medication for the people often identified as the “working
poor”. I am most proud of my work with Muhammad Ali to expand Illinois’s
“Circuit Breaker” program from its original coverage of 3 diseases to 8, adding
another 5 medical conditions (Parkinson, Alzheimers, Cancer, Glaucoma and
lung disease). The impact we made in Illinois was then mirrored in 10 other
states.
My appointment to an Illinois oral advocacy association (IFLOSS) and my work with Liberty Dental Plan created an “Excellence Award” for legislators and dental providers and schools to reward advancement in dental care in the state of Illinois.
In summary, I did not run because I need this job. I have no desire to be a career politician . I came out of retirement because there is a “Better Way” for
government officials to conduct themselves and take care of the people of Illinois
and I have the experience and passion to accomplish that mission.
9. What is your fondest memory from living in Piatt County?
There are so many, so it is difficult to pick one. I would say life on the farm with
my aunt and uncle and extended family, friends and community. As a child I
remember riding on the tractor with my uncle or him picking me up in the truck to go up to the local restaurant for my favorite Cherry Coke and barbecue potato
chips.
Things like helping my aunt prepare meals for my uncle and other
farmers….I can still hear my uncle remark about my aunt’s fried chicken and
apple pie saying “Evelyn is the best cook in the country” and he was right!
In the summer playing croquet and making homemade ice cream with friends,
neighbors and family. In high school going to football and basketball games,
homecoming, prom and fall hayrides. Listening to music from the 60’s and 70’s in our den where I would gather with friends and family and we would talk about
how to solve the world’s problems…and you can see I am still trying to do just
that.
I know farm families are struggling and depression among farmers is escalating
to dangerous levels so I would like to bring back the happy, secure life I enjoyed
for so many years.
10. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Washington at the
moment?
Unfortunately there is more than one big issue in Washington. In short, the
current climate in Washington is rampant with heated rhetoric, finger pointing,
blame and criticism. No one is reaching across the aisle to start a discussion for
the benefit of the people.
When I was a teenager there was a song titled “Walk a mile in my shoes” by Joe
South. The song deals with themes of empathy, perspective, “karma”, social
justice and universal brotherhood….all that seem to be lacking in Washington.
Growing up my would recite her favorite quote to me…. “There is a destiny that
makes us brothers, no one goes his way alone, all that we bring into the lives of
others, comes back into our own”. If you bring pain…eventually that is what you
will receive…if you bring love and understanding….that will be your reward. I
was fortunate that my aunt and uncle brought me love, understanding and a
perseverance and courage to stand up for what is right and that is what I would
carry with me to Washington if elected.
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