Stowers
WINFIELD -- Putnam County attorney Phillip M. Stowers recently filed pre-candidacy papers to run for Circuit Judge.
"I believe that my twenty years of trial experience, and my temperament and character will allow me to fulfill the duties of circuit judge in a manner our citizens expect," Stowers said in a press release. "We must maintain the public's trust and confidence in our judicial system."
Stowers, 47, said that he will use his experience as a trial attorney to help him serve as a trial judge.
"If elected, the voters can trust that I will be a conservative trial judge that will strictly adhere to the law, make prompt decisions and will treat all litigants and counsel with respect, dignity and fairness," Stowers said.
Stowers has worked as an insurance defense attorney and as plaintiff's counsel. He has represented small and large businesses, and he has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the West Virginia Attorney General's Office and as counsel to the Committee on Government Organizations on behalf of the West Virginia Senate.
Stowers also said he vows to not accept contributions from political action committees.
"A judge's job is not to cater to special interest but to listen to all interests and make decisions based on the law, not the politics," Stowers said.
Stowers also said that one of the most important duties of a circuit judge besides rendering prompt and well reasoned decisions is to immediately dispose of frivolous lawsuits filed without basis in either law or fact.
The circuit judge post Stowers seeks currently is held by Ed Eagloski.
Born in Charleston, Stowers attended Lincoln County public schools and later attended Morehead State University on a four-year Presidential Debate Scholarship. As a Magna Cum Laude graduate at Morehead with a BA in Business Administration and Economics, he went on to attend law school at The West Virginia University College of Law.
While at the college of law, Stowers won the prestigious Baker Cup Award, for appellant advocacy. He was also a member of the West Virginia University Law Review and a member of The West Virginia University College of Law Moot Court Board.
After graduation from law school in 1986, Stowers was employed as an associate for the Huntington law firm of Huddleston & Bolen. In 1989, Stowers moved to Charleston and continued with his private practice of law. Stowers formed Stowers & Associates Attorneys at Law in 1991 and continues to practice with Stowers & Associates primarily engaged in civil litigation.
His press release said Stowers has tried cases throughout West Virginia and in five other states, in both federal and state courts, and has completed numerous jury trials.
Stowers said public service always has been important in his life and being elected judge would be very personally rewarding.
"Ever since I worked as a volunteer EMT and fireman, I have always known the importance of giving back to the community," he said. "My law firm has provided hundreds of hours of free legal services for people who could not afford an attorney."
Stowers also said that since moving to Putnam County in 1991, he has been involved in many school and church activities including coaching soccer for the Great Teays Soccer Club and volunteering as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He has also represented the people of Putnam County on many different boards and commissions.
Stowers resides in Teays Valley with his wife Terri and son Andrew.