Opp businesswoman Sue Bowdoin has announced her candidacy for the District 2 seat on the Opp City Council.

Bowdoin said she feels her background and contributions to the community qualify her for the seat on the council.

“I never thought I would run for public office ,but as the years have gone by I realize that it is not good to just sit back and wait for someone else to do the job,” Bowdoin said. “If a person really wants to make a difference, they must step forward, put their necks on the line and attempt to make a difference in our city, in our county and in our world.”

Bowdoin and her husband, David, are the owner-operators of Bowdoin Exterminators with offices in Opp and Andalusia. They have made Opp their home for 21 years while raising two children; a son who is a sophomore at Opp High School, and a daughter who is stationed in Saudi Arabia with the U.S. Air Force.

“I have always been actively involved in my community, and I feel a special pull when it comes to our children,” she said. “That is one of the reasons we began the annual fall fest for children in the downtown area.”

Bowdoin, and her friend, Debbie Richburg, were the originators of the annual Halloween festival for children held in the downtown area.

“That first year we went out and solicited businesses for funds and prizes, gathered candy, rented rides and blow-up jumping machines so the children could have a good, safe place for trick-or-treating. It went over far beyond our expectations,” she said. “It is now in the fourth year and I think will continue for a long time.”

Bowdoin said as a business owner, she realizes the importance of controlled spending, accountability and working within a budget, while seeking new sources of revenue.

“Right now, more than ever, we need a city council that is focused on local issues such as beautifying our city and cleaning up areas that prospective businesses see when they come into town,” she stated. “I know there is only so much that the council can do, but I would like to be a part of encouraging land owners to do their part. Every single person has a responsibility to help bring business to our city, and cleaning up, fixing up and painting up will benefit us all.”

Bowdoin said all a citizen has to do is look around to see the improvements that have already been made.

“The City of Opp has been in come-back mode, and I don’t want that to stop. Since the loss of hundreds of textile related jobs, our current administration has made some headway in replacing some of those jobs,” she said. “Opp’s recovery has begun and with the business experience I have, I feel that I can bring to the council table a new, fresh, optimistic view of the city, and besides, I would like to give back to the community that has given my family so much,” she said.

In announcing her candidacy, Bowdoin said she feels cooperation between the council and the mayor’s office will aid in moving the city forward.

“I realize that for Opp to continue to grow and prosper, there has to be harmony and cooperation between the mayor and council, without that, Opp will surely take backward steps instead of going forward.

“I am a person that works well with others to achieve goals, and I believe if I’m elected, I will be able to help raise the quality of life for the citizens of Opp.”

The municipal election will take place on Aug. 28.