On a candidate for office’s campaign website, there is some information one can typically expect to see: a brief biography, the candidate’s main priorities or issues, and perhaps some information about how to help with the campaign.
Paul Nowlin’s website has all that. But the candidate for a District 1 seat on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly also devotes some Web space to a more unexpected story — his explanation of how he came to plead guilty to a felony when he was a young adult living in Moses Lake, Wash.
“I just wanted to be open and honest about it,” Nowlin said. “I just figured, put the worst thing out there.”
According to the account on Nowlin’s campaign website, while Nowlin was at work, he became involved in an altercation with his boss, who “started shoving me and telling me I was fired,” and it escalated into a fist fight.
Nowlin was then charged with burglary for the combination of trespassing, by virtue of remaining on the premises after being fired, and “doing bodily harm to somebody,” he wrote.
Nowlin wrote that he pled guilty on the advice of his public defender, whom he claimed did not allow the other person in the fight to testify in his defense and admit fault. He said he spent a week and a half behind bars and completed his probation in less than three years.
“I kind of feel like I got a raw deal,” said Nowlin. “It’s not something I’m really embarrassed about. … I was young and dumb and my public defender got paid the same whether we went to court or not.”
Nowlin added, “I don’t want (the campaign) to be about that. I want it to be about issues in Juneau, not about my personal history. … I kind of hope people have made their own mistakes when they were young and can kind of relate to it.”
Nowlin’s only certified opponent thus far, Loren Jones, said the matter “wouldn’t have any effect from my viewpoint.”
“I haven’t seen the website,” Jones added. “It’s not going to affect how I’m going to campaign at all.”
Nowlin’s campaign website is located at vote-4-paul-nowlin.com. Jones has his own campaign website at lorenjonesforassembly.com.
A call to the government of Grant County, where Moses Lake is located, requesting court records went unreturned Monday.
An online case summary gives the date an arrest warrant was issued as Oct. 29, 1996, when Nowlin would have been 19 years old. The same summary states Nowlin was sentenced on Feb. 3, 1997.
Nowlin said he has already made sure his felony conviction does not disqualify him from seeking office in Juneau.
“I did look heavily into that before running,” Nowlin said.
City Clerk Laurie Sica said Nowlin is, as a qualified voter who has lived in Juneau for more than a year, permitted to seek office. She added via email, “He has submitted all the required paperwork for office and was certified as a candidate for Assembly District 1 today.”
• Contact reporter Mark D. Miller at 523-2279 or at mark.d.miller@juneauempire.com.
Comments (33)
Add commentHonest and forceful!!
Lots of people move to Alaska to get a new start!
Thanks for sharing
Now, let us move on.
crimes and misdemeanors
Many (maybe most) people, including our public officials, friends, and neighbors, have committed crimes. We just don't know about them because the person was never caught.
Paul was up front and honest
Paul was up front and honest about it, he complied with the court, this should not hinder him. I am excited that a young person is willing to give it a shot at serving on the Assembly
He will bring a completely different perspective to the Assembly as a young person trying to make it in this town versus another retired and tired bureaucrat....Go for it Paul!
OK
So the guy made a mistake or two when he was younger. It happens. Probably a wise move to get it out there now than to have it exposed during the campaign. This shouldn't disqualify him by itself.
I do find the 'victim' attitude a little off-putting though. He got a "raw deal", blaming the public defender, suggesting that his boss "started it". It would have been better if he had just stated that he screwed up and had paid his dues, and learned some valuable lessons.
Now, back to the issues that matter to Juneau...
I like him!
An honest candidate! Something new! I like his stand, I like how he is young and sees whats really going on instead of it being about HIM. I will be voting for him. Good luck Paul!
Thank You
I would just like to thank you for your understanding. I wasn't sure if just being open and honest about the worst thing in my past would sink me or not; however, I felt like the community had the right to know since I am asking them to trust me. The full story is on the website mentioned in the article (vote-4-paul-nowlin.com). Please feel free to visit, or email me at: vote4paulnowlin@yahoo.com
I am not looking for handouts, I am running exempt; which means I will not be spending a lot of money on this campaign. In turn, less spending, means that I am not looking to take your money out of your pocket. I would ask that if you believe in me, that you simply convince three of your friends to consider me for their vote; and ask them to do the same with 3 of their friends. Also, if you could spare a few inches in your yard for a Paul Nowlin sign, email me. I will place it and then remove it after the election; it will be no work on your part, unless it is your preference to install it yourself.
@latitude58
I always enjoy your comments, because you go against the grain; not on this topic specifically, but just in general; although sometimes you rub people the wrong way, I think it is not all bad, because you often spark conversation. Please visit my website for the full story, my boss (at the time) truly did start the fight, and wanted to tell the court that. You are reading excerpts from the whole story. At the same time I am not claiming to be innocent, I got into a fist fight that is for sure. That is not becoming of an adult, and young adult or not, I should of behaved myself. However, it was the punishment that I felt I got a raw deal on. Please visit the website and get the whole story, Mr. Miller only had so much space to write this article.
What else is on all of your minds, please email me and let me know. I want to get the community acting as a team, so we can accomplish more. We all matter.
@paul
Way to go Man. This admission alone gets my vote. Remember no where does it say that he has to tell us this. This shows solid character and would love to have him as an elected official
Thanks Paul
Good response. To be honest, I don't much care about the details of the case, nor the sentence. It happened. You're past it. Let's not dwell on it. I'm a lot more interested in what you see as the issues Juneau needs to deal with and your vision on how to move forward. That's what I intend to base my vote on.
@refromfb - Paul's admission may indicate solid character, or it may indicate smart politics (or maybe both). If you have a skeleton in your closet, such as a felony conviction, better to get it out there under your own terms than to have it emerge later from some other source. Then it would seem like he was hiding something.
hmmnn - notacheechako...
"...another retired and tired bureaucrat..." Gee, would that be a reference to Mr. Nowlin's opponent, Loren Jones? The same Loren Jones who won't be making any political hay with Mr. Nowlin's felony conviction? I too applaud Mr. Nowlin's entry into the race, and I am accepting of Mr. Nowlin's explanation. Your slight to Loren Jones is bad form, and really only half-true. Loren may be retired, but he stays quite busy, and he certainly isn't "tired" yet, or he wouldn't be running to represent his community. Best of luck to both qualified candidates - so far I'm leaning Loren! I've heard where Loren stands on the issues. Let's hear from Mr. Nowlin regarding the same.
To Wolf
My bad, my apoologies...Loren is active, I am just pleased to see some under 60 year olds getting involved....ANYONE willing to do the job deserves credit, including Mr Jones
Hey notta...
You're a class act, and definitely nottacheechako!
The Future of Juneau
Lat58, I am interested in the Future of Juneau. Our population is shrinking in Southeast and we need to reverse that. I believe that this is in all of our best interest, unless someone has enough money to live off of without future income of course, otherwise we are all in this boat together. These topics are also on the website.
Last I read the population
Last I read the population had increased by 1000.
I am more interested in sustainability and maintaining the quality of life in Juneau than in population growth. Quality over quantity.
I think Loren Jones understands this; some perspectives only come with age.
An admission of wrong doing or whether someone seems to have solid character is just not enough for my vote.
Romney Too Old
So being over 60 and a bureaucrat Gov Romney shouldnt've run?
I'm not too concerned
about our population. I'd rather we didn't have a population boom, keep the creepers and the drugs out of Juneau.
Building the road to another ferry terminal, not a very good idea and seems like a lot of money for what return?
This should start a good topic!
@catandmouse - is that the
@catandmouse - is that the attitude of 'I've got mine', the rest of you stay out?
That's no way to keep a community vibrant and alive.
You say, "some perspectives only comes (sic) with age". I might say some perspectives are old and tired and lead to stagnation and a slow death.
@akangel - a community will often reap what it sows through politics and community reaction. Those intent on breaking the law and engaging in nefarious behavior generally know where they're "welcome".
Sustainability is living
Sustainability is living within your means, resources etc...
Some people want to pack more people in just because it means more revenue for them and they don't care about the impact this has on the quailty of life for others or on our resources.
Too many people is too many people.
Quality of life in our communities, in our neighborhoods is what keeps us all vibrant and alive. If you are not happy where you live, you are not vibrant.
I think it says a lot about a person if they are older and still very active in their community. If you have an old tired out perspective chances are you are not very active in your community...
"is that the attitude of
"is that the attitude of 'I've got mine', the rest of you stay out?
That's no way to keep a community vibrant and alive."
Actually, Juneau's economy weathered the global recession just fine, and that's with the "i've got mine, the rest of you stay out" attitude, according to your dimwitted interpretation.
Juneau's population growth has been limited, to the point of stagnation, for the last 15-20 years. No expansion, without guaranteed population growth, avoided a housing crash, although Alaska in general avoided it better than most.
Las Vegas is considered vibrant and alive, according to calypso... I mean was vibrant and alive. Now it's more of a "If you build it, they don't always come" place.
Simple, cavemen perspectives, like calypso's, no matter how old, or what political ideology, are still simple, cavemen perspectives.
Paul, Thanks for putting
Paul,
Thanks for putting things out there. It would be nice if all candidates aired their dirty laundry in the manner you have. Thanks! Good luck with your campaign!
Hey poof - "Juneau's economy
Hey poof - "Juneau's economy weathered the global recession just fine" because it's sucking hard at the government teat...
and you should be on your knees everyday thanking Greens Creek for being operational.
The population and the road
When I say we need to reverse the population decrease, I mean that we need choices for our young adults and children to stay in Juneau. If they want to leave and make a life in the Lower 48 that is their choice, but if they have to leave because of a lack of alternatives then I think that it is bad. I am not trying to create a "population boom", no offense but that seems a bit extreme to think that is possible here (and maybe I am wrong, but I just don't see that being all that likely; the last population boom was the gold rush 100 years ago). I like Juneau the way it is as well, but we must continually progress at least a little bit, or we are going backwards. We are not all wealthy enough to sit still and make it here. It's not just about the kids, I worry about my grandmother as well, she is retired; and I want to take care of her as well.
I agree that we do not need drugs and hooligans to come in, a road is not going to change that, because we cannot stop it now and the road does not exist. If drugs are coming in, the problem is drug addicts are willing to pay for them; we need to fight that fight on the front lines, not use it to get our way about this topic or the next. And I apologize for looking at it that way, maybe you are not trying to use it as an excuse and you really believe a road is going to make this town bad. But I must disagree, I have yet to hear a viable dispute to the road being built; however, I do not claim to know everything, so please email me your concerns, so that I may research them. I see my fair share of "No Road" bumper stickers, so I know you are out there, but please explain to me why it is a bad idea. vote4paulnowlin@yahoo.com
The road out, or the road in if you prefer, will bring about good things. A road out would allow us to go on road trips on a whim, enjoy more of the nature there is to be seen out North, and simply live freer. A road in will lessen the costs for everyone, and perhaps some of you are not worried about money, but most families here could use a break. People want Down South prices on food and fuel, and a road in could close the gap a bit. My grandmother told me the other day, that she, my late grandfather, and the others that lived here when the population was tiny had always wanted a road out. If we can finally agree it is the best thing for all of us, we may finally get that wish.
For more information about what I want for the sustainability of Juneau's Future visit my website: vote-4-paul-nowlin.com
To tell me what you think send me an email.
Cat, you seem to be one of
Cat, you seem to be one of the folks that believes "With age comes wisdom", Well, I've seen a lot of stupid people regardless of age. I'm betting you are a similar age and therefore like to think you also have wisdom. Sorry, but wisdom comes from experiences, and usually failure. It has nothing to do with age.
Paul,
I like you even more! I will be emailing you....you seem to be a good guy and will openly listen to both sides. Thank you for that! I may not agree with you on everything, but I think you'll be a great candidate for Juneau's Assembly! Best of luck to you!
Wisdom is a deep
Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that universal principles, reason and knowledge prevail to determine one's actions. Wisdom is also the comprehension of what is true coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Synonyms include: sagacity, discernment, or insight.
Thumbs up for honesty!
If I lived in Juneau and was able to vote, i'd consider your honesty and upfront attitude.
calypso,
do you really believe greens creek is holding Juneau's economy together?
Is that your final answer or would you like to do a little research first?
Juneau is the capitol, so its economy is stronger during recessions, but the housing didn't miss a beat. You think greens creek supported the housing industry? Juneau was responsible. Notice the lack of expansion?
Without greens creek, Juneau's economy still would not miss a beat.
Take kensington for instance... how many Juneauites felt the economic swings during the last 40 years of its on and off operations? Anyone? If Juneau was interested in making mining a key economic factor, don't you think we'd see a new mine show up in the last 40 years?
Calypso, when will you learn that your debate skills suck? You never argue the facts, and this is your choice. You can choose the position you take. It helps to do a little research first. You pretty much have a wile e coyote instinct.
Damn, I might even register
Damn, I might even register to vote, just so I can vote for this guy.
Glad to hear you are open to
Glad to hear you are open to the road out/in. It would provide numerous economic opportunity's for our, & future generations.
Also glad to hear that you understand that many of Juneau's family's are struggling to make ends meet.
I am certainly not advocating for ANOTHER government program. Just, if elected, do your part to keep the government OUT of their pockets. Unless the expenditure is for a item of great necessity, & there is no other way to fund it.