Cass County residents have a second option when voting for the 47th Legislative District Senate seat.
Kurt Fowler, a teacher at Monmouth-Roseville High School, won’t be listed on the ballot with Republican Jil Tracy, because he is running as a write in candidate.
Fowler says he always wanted to get involved in politics and feels voters should always have a choice on the ballot.
“Too often we that there is no choice and only one person running for office, even at the local levels. I do not think that party really matters on the local level, and I think State Senator is a local level. You are being elected to represent the people of your district. You aren’t being elected to represent your views. You are representing the people’s views and needs,” says Fowler.
Fowler says he is a much different candidate than Tracy.
“Jil Tracy has been a State Representative, has name recognition and a lot of money to campaign with… I don’t. I’m more of the average Joe. I’ve worked in a factory for 21 years, I grew up on a family farm and I never want to see anyone lose their jobs. I’ve been through that. I think most people can relate to me perhaps more than Jil Tracy,” says Fowler.
The 47th legislative seat will be vacated, due to the retirement of John Sullivan. Fowler enjoyed the way Sullivan ran the district and hopes to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.
In addition to Cass County, the 47th Legislative district includes Adams, Henderson, Warren, Hancock, McDonough, Schuyler, Mason and Brown counties.