Last modified: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:05 AM EDT Attleboro rep race heating up By JIM HAND / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - The race for state representative in the city is beginning to take shape as City Councilor Bill Bowles said he will launch his campaign with an event Monday at the American Legion Hall on Route 123. City Councilor George Ross, a Republican, will formally announce his candidacy the night before at the same location, while former City Councilor Kate Jackson said she already is actively campaigning. Bowles said he will be joined at his kick-off event with prominent former and present city officials. Former City Council President Carolyn Tedino, former state Rep. Stephen Karol, and former National Democratic Committee Chairman Steven Grossmen will be among those on hand. Bowles, a Democrat, said the 7 p.m. event is free and open to the public, although he joked that donations are always welcome. "This is an important race for our city. With a projected $1.3 billion revenue shortfall at the state this year, Attleboro will need representation at the Statehouse that understands finances, and is not afraid to lobby for funds to meet our crucial needs, such as education, public safety, the IBP and downtown revitalization project," he said. Bowles said he believes his experience on the City Council’s finance committee has prepared him well for the role of state representative. Ross, Jackson and Bowles are running for the right the succeed Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, who is retiring after this term. Jackson said she has been gathering signatures on her nomination papers, has scheduled two fundraisers and has named co-chairs of her campaign. She said Ward 1 Councilor Michael Sullivan and firefighter Greg Jolly will head up the campaign. City Treasurer Ethel Sandbach is considering running as an independent, but has not yet announced a decision.