Last modified: Friday, October 24, 2008 2:02 AM EDT Bowles stresses record BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - When the city was trying to push a massive downtown redevelopment plan through the city council last year, Councilor William Bowles objected. He argued the plan included a $13 million cost to the city for a commuter rail parking garage that would primarily benefit the MBTA. After tough negotiations that caused some to label Bowles an obstructionist, the city redevelopment authority agreed to cut Attleboro's share of the garage from $13 million to $6.5 million. Bowles, now a candidate for state representative, said it is that kind of hard work and fiscal pragmatism that makes him the best candidate to succeed the retiring state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro. A Democrat, Bowles admits that his advocacy sometimes "ruffles feathers," but contends it often ends in results that help both homeowners and taxpayers. He said he has fought successfully for lower water and sewer rates, a smaller raise for the mayor and other top city officials, and more paramedics for the fire department. "I don't win them all, but I've won my share. I try to analyze things from the point of view of the taxpayer," he said. His willingness to take on the mayor and redevelopment authority has not always made him popular. Fellow City Councilor George Ross, the Republican running against Bowles for state representative, contends Bowles has trouble getting along with others on the council because they suspect he does things for the sake of publicity. But Bowles said his accomplishments prove he is able to put together coalitions to get things done. "If I was that bad, I'd never get anything accomplished," he said. He claims Ross has a "go along to get along" attitude that results in Ross never speaking out for taxpayers. Bowles said his platform includes strong support for education. He wants the state to set a minimum funding level so that it pays for at least 50 percent of school budgets. This is the second time that Bowles has run for state representative. His first attempt against Rep. Stephen Karol was in 1990 and came up 293 votes short. Karol has endorsed Bowles this time around. Back then, Bowles was an active Republican. He said he switched parties in 1995 because he believes Democrats are more progressive on social issues. Despite the party switch, Bowles said he still maintains his fiscal pragmatism. "I basically want the taxpayers to get good value for their taxes," he said.