About Matt Bower
Matt Bower is a lifelong resident of West Manatee County having graduated from Bayshore High School and going on to serve as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army for seven years. Bower was decorated with over 15 medals and accommodations during his service. Upon returning home, Bower helped build and operate a local law firm before opening up his Edward Jones office as a financial advisor five years ago. Matt is married to Marilyn Bower and his son, Nathan still lives in the community. Most of Bower's immediate family still lives in and around Manatee County. Bower holds a bachelor degree from St. Leo University.
Matt Bower has been making a name for himself in and around the community, most notably with his taking on the Long Bar Pointe project to help preserve a vital stretch of coastline and environmental impacts. This leadership earned him a position on the county's Planning Commission where he served from 2013-2017. Bower demonstrated a unique ability to connect with the residents of Manatee County on a number of controversial development projects. Bower believes in smart growth and finds the county is lagging behind in its ability to attack our traffic problems, aging infrastructure and our ever increasing environmental problems including red tide, uncontrolled run-off, sewage spills and so on. Bower wants to earn your vote as your next District 3 Commissioner.
Rarely will you ever hear Matt say "I." Matt believes in bringing together the community for the betterment of all. Matt is involved in several community groups and missions especially relating to rescue dogs and veterans suffering from PTSD. Matt is the Vice President of the Manatee Tiger By the Bay club, a long standing member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. He has lobbied, as a volunteer, for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, served as a role model for the Mark Wandall Foundation Comfort Zone Camp, and routinely gets involved with JDRF. Matt has a history of not just volunteering but being counted on where it matters most. Matt brings a unique leadership style that has been ingrained in him since his taking on a NCO role in the Army at the early age of 20. Further, Matt is not beholding to anyone except the residents and voters of West Manatee. He is able to take a common sense approach and tackle difficult issues. Matt looks forward to being the voice this community needs.