Marion Bowman first met current Fredericksburg Treasurer Brenda Wood while volunteering at the cold-weather shelter operated by Micah Ecumenical Ministries.
The two women, who also attend the same church, quickly struck up a friendship. When Bowman learned that Wood — who has served in the position for 23 years — wasn’t seeking re-election, she asked if she was excited about her upcoming retirement.
“And she told me she wasn’t because nobody was running,” Bowman recalled. “And we both kind of had like this ‘aha’ moment where, ‘Oh, maybe I should try to do this.’”
Bowman, who has worked in accounting and financial management roles since moving to Fredericksburg in 2005, is vying to replace Wood, who has endorsed her and is supporting her campaign.
She faces web developer Thomas Mon in the current election for the office, which serves a four-year term.
An email to the address listed on Mon’s candidate paperwork bounced back on Monday, and his campaign website displays “coming soon.” A text message to a number listed on Mon’s campaign committee filing with the state board of elections wasn’t returned as of publication.
Mon’s Linkedin profile states that he holds a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in computer science and mathematics.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Bowman has received $1,306 in campaign contributions, including $500 from Wood. Mon’s filing lists $11,000 cash on hand, with a $10,000 contribution from George Mon.
Bowman listed transparency and organization as important attributes for the city’s treasurer, who serves as a primary point of contact for billing and property taxes.
“Then also dealing with the public,” she said. “You know, I think there’s a lot of customer service on that side of it, too.”
Bowman has worked in finance with the Fredericksburg Field House and also at LoisAnn’s Hope House, which she described as her “favorite job.” She also served as treasurer for the PTA at Hugh Mercer Elementary School while her son was a student there.
“I just really love that: giving back and being involved in the city. So this is kind of a dream for me, if it all works out,” she said.
Early voting runs through Nov. 1; Election Day is Nov. 4.
