Chris Bowman is a candidate for Hampton City Council. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Bowman, who currently sits on the Hampton City Council, is running against eight challengers for Hampton City Council.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Chris L. Bowman
Age: 70
Website: N/A
Biography:
EDUCATION/TRAINING:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science-Old Dominion University
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration-Golden Gate University
- Post Graduate Certificate in Public Professional Management-Old Dominion University
- Hampton City Schools Graduate (Asbury, Syms and Kecoughtan)
- P.H.R. Certified-Professional in Human Resources- SHRM
- Graduate of the College of Business Management Institute –University of Kentucky
- Former Supreme Court of Virginia Mediator
- Virginia Nursing Home Administrator-Former
EXPERIENCE/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
- City of Hampton Council Member – 3 1/2 years
- City of Hampton Diversity College –Graduate
- City of Hampton Diversity in Workplace College-Graduate
- Ad Hoc Leadership and Citizens Engagement Advisory Review Commission-Member, Co-Chair and Chair
- Hampton Citizens Police Academy-Graduate
- Hampton Citizens Code Compliance- Graduate
- Hampton Clean Commission-Member
- Adjunct Faculty Member-Peninsula Community College-Past
- Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute-Associate Member
- Hampton Newport News Community Services Board Member-Past
- Hampton Citizens Fire Academy- Graduate
- CERT Certified
- Federal Area Development Authority –Member
- Hampton Foster Grand Parents Advisory Board-Member
- Peninsula Agency on Aging Advisory Board- Member
- Citizens Unity Commission – Excellence in Service Award 2018
- Buckroe Improvement League-Member
- Aberdeen Civic and Historic Committee-Member
- The Northampton Civic League –Member
- RESET Certified
- Virginia Association on Aging-Past President
- Hampton TRIAD – Member
- Peninsula Taskforce on Aging –Member
- The Peninsula Sportsclub-Member
- Rosalee Gardens Association-Participant
- Hampton Roads Pride – Member
- Sierra Club – Member
- 200 + Men- Member
- Olde Wythe Neighborhood Association-Member
OTHER:
- Career in Mental Health and working with the Elderly/Geriatrics
- Public servant as a 32 year Commonwealth of Virginia State Employee
- Phillips Athletic Association-Youth Assistant Coach and Coach
- Worked 3 Years in Local Government for the County of York- Public Works
- Assists in distributing food to the needy with the Peninsula Food Bank
- Assist with the Nights Welcome Programs – serving Hampton’s Homeless population
Why are you running for office?
I have completed a 4-year term on Hampton Council and seeking re-election. We need to continue the success/progress we have made the last four years.
What is the top challenge facing Hampton, and how would address it?
The top challenge is Crime/Violence. Although a recent 40 % decrease in Violent Crime and Homicides, we still need to move the needle on overall crime reduction. We have an excellent Police Chief Jimmie Wiedman and Youth Director Lathesia Handie who are making great strides in this area. Also, filling vacant Police Officer positions will have a positive impact.
What is your view on addressing the affordable housing crisis?
Hampton available rental and for-sale homes are occupied at 98%. There simply is not enough housing available. Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority had a lengthy waiting list. In 2025 we have several housing projects to be developed that will provide some relief.
What is your view on Hampton’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance that limits rentals citywide?
I have supported all regulations that Council has adopted regarding STR. I feel the 1% Density and 300-foot perimeter are good starting points.
How do you view potentially using general fund money to continue commercial air service at Newport News Williamsburg Airport?
I do not support this.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who likely have business before the city?
All elected officials accept campaign contributions from individuals and organizations. However, when these come before council for discussion and vote – council members must abstain from comment and voting.
Why should voters trust you to serve after allegations of you participating in criminal activity were made public first in the press? Do you believe you should have come forward with what happened first?
First, I was never charged with any criminal activity. That said I did apologize to my fellow councilmembers and to the public for my actions., and I am pleased to say that the response in the year and a half since has been very positive. I have not hidden from anyone; indeed I attend as many events as any other member of Council, and if the subject of my indiscretion comes up, people genuinely praise me for taking responsibility and remind me no one is perfect.No one is, and I trust WAVY TV is asking the other candidates whether they have any regrets about their personal or financial history and are willing to admit so if they did. I believe you build trust with the voters by being upfront and transparent, and I would not be seeking re-election if I thought that bond was broken.
