Sowers says he’s a ‘natural fit’ to replace Nohe, wants higher commercial tax base

Patrick Sowers is making his first run at the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

He wants to replace Marty Nohe, the longtime Coles District Supervisor who is now seeking the Chairman At-large seat.

Yesli Vega is challenging Sowers in a Republican “Firehouse Primary” Election on Saturday, May 4, 2019

Find your polling place for the May 4, 2019, Republican Firehouse Primary

Find your polling place for the Nov. 5, 2019, General Election 

Name: Patrick “Pat” Sowers

Party: Republican

Town: Prince William County

Running for: Coles District Supervisor, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Website: patricksowers.com

Work: Realtor

Education: Gar-Field High School

Community Involvement: I have been serving as President of the Winding Creek HOA for over a decade, the Vice Chairman of the Prince William County Community Board, a member of the Virginia Community Services Board, former Chairman of the Coles District for the Prince William County Republican Committee. I have been working on local issues with controlling development, school zoning, and many other issues.

Questions and answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Sowers: Real Estate taxes, transportation, schools

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Sowers: We need to take the tax burden off of the property owners by working on economic development here in Prince William. By making Prince William a business-friendly place, this will help us achieve the 35% commercial tax base that the Board of County Supervisors has set as a goal. By increasing our commercial tax base we can have access to the funds to better fund roads and infrastructure as well as boost our public school system.

PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Sowers: It is the number one function of the Board of County Supervisors to fight to keep our tax rates low while providing the highest level of public services.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Sowers: I have been serving as President of the Winding Creek HOA for over a decade, the Vice Chairman of the Prince William County Community Board, a member of the Virginia Community Services Board. I have real executive board experience. I have reviewed and renegotiated contracts to reduce budgets and save funds.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Sowers: Most of the Prince William County citizens that I have encountered have a good basic understanding of our local government. There is always room for improvement and I will make efforts to expand communication by utilizing technology and social media.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Sowers: As humans, we all make mistakes or say something that is misconstrued. The important thing is that we learn from those times and improve.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Sowers: I am a natural fit to represent the Coles District and help guide Prince William County into the next decade. My professional experience, commitment to our community, and volunteer leadership have prepared me to help build a prosperous future for Prince William County and you can trust me to accomplish the task.