Have You Heard?
“Rowden's previous experience and tenacity as an elected official, her ability to make a personal connection with the people she hopes to serve, and the unconventional points of view she will bring to the board are the factors that tip the scale in her favor.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Nov. 1, 2000
“…Governing from the bottom up is Rowden’s forte. It is virtually impossible for her to make a decision without first thinking about how it will affect constituents. Rowden’s dynamic personality wins people over the hard way: She earns it, one handshake and deed at a time. She is fiercely independent and will make sure she cannot be accused of being controlled by anyone. If she shows favoritism, it is toward those who feel disenfranchised from government.” - – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Nov. 1, 2000
“When Rowden was on the Hernando School Board in the early 1990s, she was a catalyst for change. She was the first board member to question the spendthrift ways of Superintendent Dan McIntyre, and she also led the charge to implement a much-needed nepotism policy. Later, she spearheaded the effort to change the superintendent’s job from elected to appointed. That accomplishment could be one of the most significant improvements in county government during the past decade. “– St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Nov. 1, 2000
“…Because Rowden has been an airline flight attendant for more than 30 years, she has a view of public policy issues that extends far beyond Florida.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Nov. 1, 2000
“It is not an embellishment to observe that Rowden clearly loves what she is doing, which is listening to people and trying to solve their problems.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Nov. 1, 2000
“She’s accessible and ready to listen to the concerns of her constituents, willing to immerse herself in almost any issue, large or small, and to roll up her sleeves in pursuit of a solution.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
"...Rowden also sees the bigger picture, and during her first four years on the commission she has shown she is capable of morphing from the champion of underdogs into a policymaker who understands the need to serve the majority of residents, even if it is unpopular.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
“Rowden's tenure on the commission has coincided with a period of burgeoning growth. She has been resolute in her stance that the commission should dictate to developers, not the other way around. She understands the importance of adhering to the comprehensive growth management plan and putting into place laws and policies that back up her stance.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
“Rowden has opposed so-called leapfrog developments that would contribute to sprawl and put a strain on traffic and other infrastructure. She has insisted that big-box developers such as Wal-Mart not bulldoze every tree in their paths and that retail centers have more aesthetic qualities. She advocated an ordinance that prevents unsightly and oversized outbuildings that can devalue neighboring properties.” – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
“Rowden took the lead to oppose a tire incineration plant near Masaryktown. She pushed for expanding the curbside recycling program in Spring Hill. She has defended funding of the county's public transportation system. And, after initially balking, she recently cast a pivotal vote to impose inclining block rates so that residents who use the most water pay more than those who conserve.” - – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
“Rowden was instrumental in bringing the county's economic development operations back under full control of the commission.” - – St. Petersburg Times – Candidate Endorsement - Oct. 13, 2004
