Alan Lowe
Encyclopedia
Alan Lowe is a Canadian
politician
. He is a former mayor
of Victoria, British Columbia
, serving in office 1999-2008.
In 1982 Lowe earned a Bachelor's Degree
in Environmental Studies
from the University of Manitoba
, and in 1985 he earned a Master's Degree
in Architecture
from the University of Oregon
.
He is one of only a handful of mayors of Victoria who were actually born and raised in the city, and was the city's first mayor of Asian heritage to be elected. At 38 years old he was also one of the youngest candidates ever to win Victoria's mayoral election.
In 1999 Alan Lowe managed to win a hard fought three way race versus Bob Friedland of the Victoria Civic Electors on the left and veteran right wing councilor Geoff Young. His campaign slogan was "Aim High, Vote Lowe", which highlighted his sense of humor and charm.
1999 Election Results
The accepted opinion in the next election was that Lowe was unassailable and therefore no serious candidates chose to challenge him. He handily won the 2002 election (61.65% of the popular vote) against a number of opponents, including his closest contender, Ben Isitt
, then a 24-year-old master's student at the University of Victoria
.
Alan Lowe won re-election in the 2005 elections
. He again faced Ben Isitt and defeated him by 1,400 votes. Lowe's completion of the new police headquarters building and the Save On Foods Memorial Centre were very positive for his public relations. The arena project was not finished under the tenure of his predecessor mayor.
In the December 5, 2007 edition of the Victoria Times Colonist newspaper, Lowe stated that he would like to spend more time with his family, friends, other interests and would not seek re-election. He served on Victoria City Council for 15 years as a Councilor and Mayor.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. He is a former mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
, serving in office 1999-2008.
In 1982 Lowe earned a Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in Environmental Studies
Environmental studies
Environmental studies is the academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment. It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study that includes the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them...
from the University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba , in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the largest university in the province of Manitoba. It is Manitoba's most comprehensive and only research-intensive post-secondary educational institution. It was founded in 1877, making it Western Canada’s first university. It placed...
, and in 1985 he earned a Master's Degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in Architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
from the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
.
He is one of only a handful of mayors of Victoria who were actually born and raised in the city, and was the city's first mayor of Asian heritage to be elected. At 38 years old he was also one of the youngest candidates ever to win Victoria's mayoral election.
In 1999 Alan Lowe managed to win a hard fought three way race versus Bob Friedland of the Victoria Civic Electors on the left and veteran right wing councilor Geoff Young. His campaign slogan was "Aim High, Vote Lowe", which highlighted his sense of humor and charm.
1999 Election Results
- Alan LOWE 7,080 43.59%
- Bob FRIEDLAND 5,626 34.64%
- Geoff YOUNG 3,076 18.94%
The accepted opinion in the next election was that Lowe was unassailable and therefore no serious candidates chose to challenge him. He handily won the 2002 election (61.65% of the popular vote) against a number of opponents, including his closest contender, Ben Isitt
Ben Isitt
Dr. Ben Isitt is a Canadian historian and legal scholar with expertise in the relationship between social movements and the state...
, then a 24-year-old master's student at the University of Victoria
University of Victoria
The University of Victoria, often referred to as UVic, is the second oldest public research university in British Columbia, Canada. It is a research intensive university located in Saanich and Oak Bay, about northeast of downtown Victoria. The University's annual enrollment is about 20,000 students...
.
Alan Lowe won re-election in the 2005 elections
British Columbia municipal elections, 2005
The Canadian province of British Columbia held its triannual municipal elections on November 19, 2005. Voters in each of BC's 157 municipalities elected mayors and councillors, and rural voters elected directors for their regional district electoral area...
. He again faced Ben Isitt and defeated him by 1,400 votes. Lowe's completion of the new police headquarters building and the Save On Foods Memorial Centre were very positive for his public relations. The arena project was not finished under the tenure of his predecessor mayor.
In the December 5, 2007 edition of the Victoria Times Colonist newspaper, Lowe stated that he would like to spend more time with his family, friends, other interests and would not seek re-election. He served on Victoria City Council for 15 years as a Councilor and Mayor.