Bowen pulls out of DOMB race

By NATHAN TAYLOR, THE PACKET & TIMES November 20 2010
Pete Bowen has withdrawn from the race to continue as part the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB).
Bowen’s decision comes as a result of his being elected as a Ward 2 councillor in the Oct. 25 municipal election.
The ballots, with his name on them, were sent to members prior to the municipal election, which is why he and the DOMB sent press release to announce his withdrawal.
Bowen is currently the chair of the DOMB, a position he has held for two years. He has been with the board for three years.
“I want the best for the downtown management board. I want to see the BIA grow and prosper,” he said Friday. “Overarching that is my desire to be on council and to fulfil my role as a councillor. As a councillor, I feel I can still help the DOMB.”
Those eligible to vote in the DOMB elections were able to vote for up to eight directors. Any votes for Bowen will be void, and the eight candidates with the most votes will fill the spots. So, anyone who might have voted for Bowen alone is out of luck.
“Unfortunately, there’s no other way to do it because there would be conflicts of interest if I did stay on as a (DOMB) director,” Bowen said. “It’s in their favour to have everybody at the council table being able to make decisions regarding the DOMB.”
The DOMB election closes Tuesday.