Cowley on the Fence as Nine Pull Petitions in Farmington

Nine people have pulled petitions to run for three open seats on the Farmington City Council in November.

Only incumbent JoAnne McShane has returned hers, but one high-profile candidate said this week he may be out getting petition signatures next week—or not. 

Greg Cowley, whose family owns in downtown Farmington, said Monday that he'll make his decision about pursuing a council seat next week. He has been mulling a run for sometime, and now he has concerns related to the resignation of council member Mike Wiggins. Officials must appoint a replacement by early November.

"I'm just concerned that who they appoint won't have the downtown perspective," said Cowley, who serves on the (DDA) board. "I really would like to see the downtown represented better on council than it is."

Employment considerations have also factored into his decision; he is interviewing for jobs that may require extensive travel.

"I don't want to engage and not do a good job," he said.

Employed in "corporate America" for 30 years, Cowley has worked in the field of finance and accounting. "I understand how large decisions are made and how economic strategies are employed. At the same time, I'm an entrepreneur who believes in the downtown," he said.

Known for his tendency to be outspoken, he also realizes holding a council position could affect the family business. In 2002, after 30 years in business, John Cowley & Sons demolished its one-story pub and doubled the size of the business, which now offers a more formal dining area on the first floor and informal pub upstairs.

Cowley said he realizes city officials will face some tough economic decisions in the next few years, and the DDA has "some pretty aggressive plans to grow the downtown. Those two are going to be in conflict."

If elected, he said he would step back from the DDA board. Cowley points to the successes that occurred under his term as board president, including the streetscape, acquiring the Founders Festival and the strategy of expanding events to create another revenue stream.

Cowley has, on occasion, had to recuse himself from board votes that would directly affect his business, and he said he would have no trouble doing the same as a City Council member.

"I'm a resident as well," Cowley said. "I think I can balance those conversations."

The deadline to file petitions for November's election is Aug. 16 by 4 p.m. Candidates must turn in between 50 and 75 signatures by the deadline. Petitions are available at , 23600 Liberty St., during regular business hours. For information, call the city clerk's office, 248-474-5500.