Candidate Questionnaire: Tom Lowry

The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for the November 2025 local elections. We will be running all candidate questionnaires in the order received today and tomorrow — our regular publishing schedule.

Tom Lowry, Three Rivers Mayor candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are his answers as submitted.

Name: Tom Lowry
Age: 69
Are you an incumbent?: Yes 
Family: I am widowed. I have no children.

Background/Bio: 

I was born in Chicago and lived in the suburbs of Chicago until my father took a teaching job in Marcellus in 1971. I graduated from Marcellus High School in 1973. I attended the University of Chicago and St. John’s College. I started our bookstore in June 1993 and have been fortunate to survive. We are now Michigan’s second largest bookstore. 

Why are you running for the office of Mayor of Three Rivers?

I have been Mayor of Three Rivers for 26 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many good people – on the City Commission, on the City staff, with many citizens, and other professionals. We have always come to our decisions – and not always unanimously either – after good discussions or debates. I believe that I have always tried to do “what is best for the common good”. I feel that I bring my skills – as a business owner, a volunteer on many boards and commissions, a concerned citizen to being Mayor and that they help us. 

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role?

Yes. I was a City Commissioner for almost a year, then Mayor for 26 years. I did lose once, and with hindsight, I was able to spend many days with my wife as she was dying. I have served on many boards and ad hoc committees over the last 32 years. They include the Airport Advisory Board, the DDA, Harmony Fest, Water Festival Committee, the St. Joseph County Economic Development formation committee, the US 131 Steering Committee, the Community Corrections Advisory Board, Three Rivers Promise, Three Rivers Area Mentoring among others. I have also been involved in the bookselling industry at the regional and national levels; I also served many years as an officer in these groups.

If not, describe any experience — professional, volunteer, or otherwise — that you believe is relevant to serving as Three Rivers mayor.

N/A.

How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?

Graduated from Marcellus High in 1973. Lived in TR since 1993. 

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area relative to the scope of the position you are seeking, and why?

1. Lead in the Water. As part of that, keep trying to get the truth out about lead in the water and fighting rumors and hearsay. 2. Offering the Most Services that we can afford with the balanced budget that we adopt. 3. Keeping TR strong and fiscally sound so that we can keep our great Police and Fire Depts., our regional Ambulance Service, our sewer and water systems, our Parks, and our Library.

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?

 lA. Lead. Keep using Aquadene which is safe and lines the water pipes in the City and your homes which reduces the amount of lead in our water. The first water sample tests are showing a decline in lead levels. lB. Keep addressing one or two major street reconstructions each year. As part of these projects we find houses that have lead or galvanized lateral pipes that connect the City Mains to your meter. And replace them. lC. As part of this issue, keep trying to get the truth out about lead in the water and fighting rumors and hearsay. Also keep offering Free Water Testing to residents. 2. Devote my time and resources to fully understanding the budget each year, and then adopting it. Be fiscally conservative with yours and mine tax dollars. 3. 

How to address most vulnerable and underserved?

In many ways: Provide the best Ambulance service in the area. Provide a well-trained and professional Police Dept. Provide a well-trained, and cross­trained, and professional Fire Dept. Insist on professional and thorough Rental inspections. Maintain a strong Code Enforcement program. Provide the best services that the City can. Stay on top of the Programs that the County and State offer, and share that info. Personally, I will continue to provide for free the spaces that the Food Bank and the Mentoring Programs use. They both help many people every month.

How would you promote transparency and maintain public trust in city government?

1. By always being honest and available. Everyone knows where to find me. I have always been open to meeting with anyone. 2. By insisting on a good City website, with up­to-date information. Keeping all meetings and minutes available. 3. I will always speak at our meetings about the issues, especially “hot issues”. 4. By constantly trying to find citizens who will serve on our Boards and Commissions. 5. By encouraging people to become “active citizens” and regularly attend meetings, read the minutes and news updates from the City, and asking questions. 6. By saying the truth against rumors and hearsay. 

What values or guiding principles shape your approach to public service?

Firstly, I believe in service. I believe that we all can create a better community if we treat each other with respect. Secondly, I believe that laws should be applied equally to all, and fairly. Thirdly, I am a fiscal conservative, especially with our tax dollars.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

I consider myself fortunate to have been a City Commissioner and then Mayor. I treat this job very seriously. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with so many great people over these years. We all have different interests, skill sets, and histories that we bring to the table. It makes life interesting.