03.10.04
Jean Cowan seeks House seat
Newport News Times
Lincoln County Commissioner Jean Cowan announced on Tuesday her candidacy for the District 10 seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. She is a Democrat.
“My decision was not an easy one, but one I reached only after a great deal of thought and soul searching,” Cowan said. “I have entered into this race because I believe we need to have a conversation…about the Oregon we want to see our children and grandchildren enjoy. Their education, their health and safety, and the jobs to support them - that’s what is important to me.”
Cowan had earlier announced her intention not to seek reelection to a fourth term as county commissioner, and had been expected to retire from public life.
Cowan moved with her family to Newport 17 years ago. In 1992, she was elected to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. She serves on statewide and local advisory boards and commissions.
“My experience at the local government level, both city and county, will serve our district well in Salem. I look forward to the opportunity to explore with the citizens of House District 10 our collective vision and desires,” Cowan said.
Cowan is a lifelong Oregonian, born and raised in Astoria. In the early 1980s, she served on the city council and then as mayor of Elgin in Union County, where she also helped revive the volunteer ambulance service and instructed Emergency Medical Technician, First Responder, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes.
In 1988, Cowan was a member of then Governor Neil Goldschmidt’s School Funding Tax Force, and participated in the League of Women Voters’ statewide study of educational funding.
In 1995, she was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Oregon Counties in recognition of “outstanding service and leadership.” In 1996, she was named Transit Advocate of the Year by the Oregon Public Transportation Association.
Cowan has a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from Marylhurst College.
Cowan’s husband, Patrick Cowan, recently left retirement to work as interim superintendent of the Lincoln County School District. The Cowans, who live in Newport, have two adult children.
