Don C. Bowen – Representative, District 8, Anderson-Oconee counties; graduate, University of South
Carolina, B.S.; married to Tomilyn Forrester Bowen; three children; chairman, United Way for Bi-Lo
Supermarkets; member, School District One Reform Movement; Anderson Area Accountability Association;
appointed by Anderson County Council to Anderson Ad Hoc Property Tax Study Committee; military
service: Williamston National Guard
A challenge from friends and acquaintances for him to seek public office caused Don Bowen to spend
several weeks of thinking through that possibility. Having weighed the pros and cons, Bowen decided to
accept the challenge. In 2006, he threw his hat into the ring for the Anderson-Oconee District 8 seat in
the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was subsequently elected and is now finishing his
second term in the General Assembly.
Leading up to his involvement in elective politics, Bowen had been active in South Carolina’s property-tax
reform movement. His role as spokesman took him all around the state to make presentations before
groups about the issue.
With four years of legislative experience now under his belt, Bowen says he sees energy as the number-
one issue facing our country. “We have to be in a position to supply our own energy needs in both South
Carolina and the rest of the United States. I’m not opposed to drilling for oil and natural gas beyond the 25-
mile limit of our state’s coastline. At the same time, I believe South Carolina ought to be a major participant
in the development of these resources. Certainly, a good portion of the benefits from offshore oil and gas
development should flow to the direct advantage of our state’s citizens.”
Bowen is quick to emphasize that energy exploration and extraction in Atlantic waters should in no way
impair South Carolina’s tourism industry. “Our state is blessed with natural wetlands, many miles of
beautiful beaches, excellent commercial and recreational fishing, and any number of other features that
make our coast attractive to visitors. If oil companies are given the privilege of developing resources on
the continental shelf, they must also ensure that they do so in an environmentally sound way. My own
study convinces me that energy development and tourism can coexist quite effectively.”
Hydrogen research
Beyond oil and gas production, Bowen sees South Carolina setting the pace in other kinds of energy.
“Our state is a leader in hydrogen research. Hydrogen holds significant promise for fueling the
automobiles of the future and having other applications. It may very well help to wean our country off its
dependence on foreign oil. Renewables such as bio-fuels, wind, and solar also have the potential to add
to the energy mix.”
When it comes to base-load generation, Bowen notes that nuclear power is already a big part of the
energy mix in our state. “In my view, it also represents one of the best options for accommodating South
Carolina’s future electricity demands. Ample electric-power capacity is essential. Not only does it meet our
citizens’ need for a basic service, but it is also one of the key elements of our state’s economic-
development program.”
Bowen opines that South Carolina needs to think outside the box in undertaking economic development.
“For instance, sports fishing generates about $1.5 billion each year for our state. Much of that activity is
found along the coast. However, our Upstate lakes possess the inherent capacity for producing much
more in the way of recreation and tourism dollars. A stronger promotion of these assets would inevitably
lead to greater jobs creation.”
Another area of concern for Bowen is the state’s system of roads and highways. “South Carolina has more
highway miles per capita than any other state. That investment also entails a tremendous amount of
upkeep. Unfortunately, we’re falling further and further behind in the maintenance on our roads and
bridges. In my opinion, the General Assembly needs to take a serious look at an additional funding source
or sources to supplement the proceeds that flow from the tax on gasoline.”
Bowen estimates that about half of his time in Columbia is spent working on education issues. He is
gratified that the state ridded itself of the PACT test. “The test was making far too great a demand on
teachers’ schedules. It was infringing on their classroom time, and that worked to the detriment of the
students.”
The 3 R’s
According to Bowen, the basic “3 R’s”—reading, writing, and arithmetic—need to be taught to students in
the early grades. “After that, they can then graduate to the other disciplines. I try to keep in touch with the
concerns and insights of our education professionals by attending all the meetings of the local school
board. My service on the House Education Committee provides a forum for me to share what our
educators have on their minds and to stay abreast of the educational trends in our state.”
Bowen is optimistic about South Carolina’s economy. “There’s no question we’re in a downturn right now.
However, it’s also true that we haven’t had the rate of foreclosures on home loans that many other states
have. I think that positions our economy to recover more quickly than those in other regions. In any event,
our citizens are certainly correct to demand that all levels of government spend their tax dollars more
responsibly.”
Above anything else, Bowen says he wants to be available to his constituents. “I’m in regular contact with
the folks residing in House District 8. On a personal level, I enjoy face-to-face conversations, as well as
frequent correspondence with those I’m elected to serve. I’m also fortunate to have a number of key
contact persons in the community who bring problems and issues to my attention as they arise. I don’t shy
away from dealing with these matters, and I believe my record of service speaks for itself.”
Carolina, B.S.; married to Tomilyn Forrester Bowen; three children; chairman, United Way for Bi-Lo
Supermarkets; member, School District One Reform Movement; Anderson Area Accountability Association;
appointed by Anderson County Council to Anderson Ad Hoc Property Tax Study Committee; military
service: Williamston National Guard
A challenge from friends and acquaintances for him to seek public office caused Don Bowen to spend
several weeks of thinking through that possibility. Having weighed the pros and cons, Bowen decided to
accept the challenge. In 2006, he threw his hat into the ring for the Anderson-Oconee District 8 seat in
the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was subsequently elected and is now finishing his
second term in the General Assembly.
Leading up to his involvement in elective politics, Bowen had been active in South Carolina’s property-tax
reform movement. His role as spokesman took him all around the state to make presentations before
groups about the issue.
With four years of legislative experience now under his belt, Bowen says he sees energy as the number-
one issue facing our country. “We have to be in a position to supply our own energy needs in both South
Carolina and the rest of the United States. I’m not opposed to drilling for oil and natural gas beyond the 25-
mile limit of our state’s coastline. At the same time, I believe South Carolina ought to be a major participant
in the development of these resources. Certainly, a good portion of the benefits from offshore oil and gas
development should flow to the direct advantage of our state’s citizens.”
Bowen is quick to emphasize that energy exploration and extraction in Atlantic waters should in no way
impair South Carolina’s tourism industry. “Our state is blessed with natural wetlands, many miles of
beautiful beaches, excellent commercial and recreational fishing, and any number of other features that
make our coast attractive to visitors. If oil companies are given the privilege of developing resources on
the continental shelf, they must also ensure that they do so in an environmentally sound way. My own
study convinces me that energy development and tourism can coexist quite effectively.”
Hydrogen research
Beyond oil and gas production, Bowen sees South Carolina setting the pace in other kinds of energy.
“Our state is a leader in hydrogen research. Hydrogen holds significant promise for fueling the
automobiles of the future and having other applications. It may very well help to wean our country off its
dependence on foreign oil. Renewables such as bio-fuels, wind, and solar also have the potential to add
to the energy mix.”
When it comes to base-load generation, Bowen notes that nuclear power is already a big part of the
energy mix in our state. “In my view, it also represents one of the best options for accommodating South
Carolina’s future electricity demands. Ample electric-power capacity is essential. Not only does it meet our
citizens’ need for a basic service, but it is also one of the key elements of our state’s economic-
development program.”
Bowen opines that South Carolina needs to think outside the box in undertaking economic development.
“For instance, sports fishing generates about $1.5 billion each year for our state. Much of that activity is
found along the coast. However, our Upstate lakes possess the inherent capacity for producing much
more in the way of recreation and tourism dollars. A stronger promotion of these assets would inevitably
lead to greater jobs creation.”
Another area of concern for Bowen is the state’s system of roads and highways. “South Carolina has more
highway miles per capita than any other state. That investment also entails a tremendous amount of
upkeep. Unfortunately, we’re falling further and further behind in the maintenance on our roads and
bridges. In my opinion, the General Assembly needs to take a serious look at an additional funding source
or sources to supplement the proceeds that flow from the tax on gasoline.”
Bowen estimates that about half of his time in Columbia is spent working on education issues. He is
gratified that the state ridded itself of the PACT test. “The test was making far too great a demand on
teachers’ schedules. It was infringing on their classroom time, and that worked to the detriment of the
students.”
The 3 R’s
According to Bowen, the basic “3 R’s”—reading, writing, and arithmetic—need to be taught to students in
the early grades. “After that, they can then graduate to the other disciplines. I try to keep in touch with the
concerns and insights of our education professionals by attending all the meetings of the local school
board. My service on the House Education Committee provides a forum for me to share what our
educators have on their minds and to stay abreast of the educational trends in our state.”
Bowen is optimistic about South Carolina’s economy. “There’s no question we’re in a downturn right now.
However, it’s also true that we haven’t had the rate of foreclosures on home loans that many other states
have. I think that positions our economy to recover more quickly than those in other regions. In any event,
our citizens are certainly correct to demand that all levels of government spend their tax dollars more
responsibly.”
Above anything else, Bowen says he wants to be available to his constituents. “I’m in regular contact with
the folks residing in House District 8. On a personal level, I enjoy face-to-face conversations, as well as
frequent correspondence with those I’m elected to serve. I’m also fortunate to have a number of key
contact persons in the community who bring problems and issues to my attention as they arise. I don’t shy
away from dealing with these matters, and I believe my record of service speaks for itself.”
| Legislative Profile from Blue Ridge Electric Magazine |
| bowenforhouse@yahoo.com 1176 Embassy Drive Anderson, SC 29625 Cell Phone: 864-934-3272 |