Fifteen Minutes with Michael Bowcut

Editor's Note: Please note this is not an endorsement by the Patch for this or any candidate. We are giving the same questions and opportunity to all candidates so that they may express their thoughts to our readers in an attempt to get to know them better and what they think is important.*

Michael's background includes 30 years of experience in financial management including his current position as CFO for the Nelson Family of Companies. He has lived in the area since 1990 and two of his children have graduated from the Ranch with his youngest attending there this year.

Why are you running for the school board?

I served on the Community Advisory Committee a couple of years ago.  The committee was given a budget presentation.  That's when I realized the difficult fiscal situation the district is in, and how it might get even more difficult.  Over the next few months members of the community asked if I would consider running for the school board.  I was reluctant at first, but later realized that my professional background could be of value to the board.  Believing that a successful democracy requires participation of the community, and realizing I might be able to help, I decided to run.

What do you hope to accomplish?

At best, the district is going to face a tight budget.  If the state cuts funding more, it will be even worse.  I hope to be able to help the district navigate those difficulties.  I believe my financial experience will allow me to ask the right questions, and bring new light on what may be some tough decisions.  For example, closing schools may appear to save money, but if it drives students away from the district, it may end up a net loss.  My experience has also taught me that listening to all sides will often build a consensus.  I'm willing to listen and discuss the issues with all sides of the argument.  After all, we all have the best interests of our students at heart.  As long as that is everyone's priority, we'll find an answer.

Why should people vote for you?

There are many reasons to vote for me. I have vested interest in the success of our schools for one thing.  Two of our children have graduated from Rancho Cotate and we have a third who attends now.  We've lived in both Cotati and Rohnert Park so our children have attended schools in both cities.  I want this district to succeed.  The community should vote for me because my financial experience and business leadership experience will be beneficial to the decision making process. The community should vote for me because I bring a fresh prospective to the board.  In my opinion, it is healthy to select new representation on a regular basis.

What qualifies you?

What are my qualifications for the board?  I'm a parent that wants to help and I have skills that can help.  It's true that I don't have the experience of serving on the school board that a couple of the other candidates have, but the point of a representative democracy isn't to just keep electing the incumbents. Our system of government is at its best when the leadership is shared by the community, not when it's vested in a small group and stays there.

What else would you like to share?

 I have great respect for the work our talented teachers do in the classroom with our children. I would be honored to work in the board room to strengthen our school.

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