Maureen Rowan Says Local Blacks and Latino Voices Will Be Heard if Elected to Assembly
Photo courtesy of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
LINWOOD – Retired attorney Maureen Rowan, the Democratic candidate for the District 2 state assembly seat, which covers Atlantic County, said she would hold regular town hall meetings and make sure she is available to hear the concerns of Black and Hispanic residents.
Rowan and fellow Democrat Joanne Famularo are running against District 2 Republican incumbents Don Guardian and Claire Swift. Rowan, who attended the September meeting of the Atlantic City NAACP, answered questions from Front Runner New Jersey.com.
“I would be available to the Black and Hispanic communities to hear and address their concerns by having an accessible office and by conducting regular town halls, where all members of the community would be welcomed to participate,” Rowan said when asked how she would ensure African American and Latino voices are heard in the district.
Guardian and Swift flipped the seats from the Democrats two elections ago.
Here are the answers to other questions posed to Rowan by FRNJ.
FRNJ: Can you talk about your background and what makes you the best candidate to represent this diverse population in the Assembly?
Maureen Rowan: I attended LaSalle College and Temple Law School. I was a Trial attorney for over 35 years. In addition to the active practice of law, I was an owner and managing partner of my own law firm, where I was responsible for all aspects of running the business. Given my experience as a Trial attorney and business owner, I am an effective advocate and communicator. As a member of the Assembly, I will utilize these skills to introduce and implement legislation that will benefit Atlantic County families.
FRNJ: Atlantic City ranks as one of the biggest food deserts and highest rates of poverty in the state. How would you try to address these issues if you are elected?
Maureen Rowan: It is unacceptable that Atlantic City remains a food desert. Steps must be taken to incentivize grocery stores to open in Atlantic City. This can be accomplished by offering grocery stores tax credits or tax abatements. In addition to providing a source of food to the residents of Atlantic City, local grocery stores will also be the source of job opportunities for the residents. To address the issue of poverty, I would focus on the following:
(a) Expand access to good paying jobs and education, from early childhood through higher education and vocational training.
(b) Strengthen the Social net by ensuring that programs that provide food and housing assistance for vulnerable populations remain intact.
(c) Support expanded child tax credit.
FRNJ: Because the district is so diverse, it often has competing points of view. How would you try to bring people together in the district?
Maureen Rowan: I have retired from the active practice of law, but I still serve as a mediator, on a volunteer basis for the court system. I will utilize my skills as a mediator to convince diverse voices to reach a compromise on the issues that divide them.
FRNJ: What are two or three of your top legislative priorities for the district?
Maureen Rowan: My legislative priorities would be as follows:
(a) Focus on the affordability crisis, including addressing the high cost of energy, health care and the lack of affordable housing.
(b) Revitalizing economic development in Atlantic County by focusing on the diversification of the economy.
FRNJ: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Maureen Rowan: Please let me know if you need any further information.
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