BOWMAN -- The mayor of Bowman is facing a challenge from the owner of the widely publicized outer space welcome center, and three candidates are in the race for the two seats open on town council in the Nov. 6 nonpartisan general election.

Mayor Zelda Pelzer, who has served as mayor for seven years, in addition to several years on council, is being challenged by Joseph "Jody" Pendarvis, nationally known operator of the UFO Welcome Center.

Town Council incumbents Nathaniel Gaines and Marion Glenn Jr., both seeking new four-year terms, are facing a challenge from political newcomer, Margaret Jones.

With a population of 1,198, Bowman has 802 registered voters. Of those, 567 are black, 233 are white and two are designated "other."

Zelda Pelzer

Running on her record, Pelzer says things are going well in Bowman. Problems with the police department, she says, have been dealt with, and the office is running smoothly.

"I hope to be reelected to finish the projects we started. We'll improve the water lines in town. There's a project for that. And, we're revamping the nature park. We've been working on that for years, and it's at the brink to take off again," she said. "We're working to improve the quality of life with a walking trail and a revamped tennis court. We're working on streetscape, and we have a transportation grant in."

If she's reelected, Pelzer says she'd like to get an office where seniors can come to pay utility bills. Also, she'd like to move the town office from the old district school building to the old elementary school and make a town complex. Activities for youth are also important, she says.

A Bowman native, Pelzer has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Claflin University. She is employed by Orangeburg School District 5 with special needs students.

Joseph "Jody" Pendarvis

Pendarvis first ran for mayor in 1994, the same year he built his UFO Welcome Center. "Fed up" and actively campaigning, he says, it's the "same long thing every time, and nothing gets done."

"If you need anything done in Bowman, you have to do it yourself," he said. "I'm really running a campaign this time to win."

If elected, Pendarvis says he'd like to see a bus company come into town for regular stops. That, he says, would help those going to jobs in Orangeburg.

"I'd like to see a neighborhood park inside the town, beside the one behind town hall," he said. "They're rebuilding the nature park, but that's too far out of town."

But, mainly, Pendarvis says, he'd like to make Bowman a friendly town.

"I'll always keep a running survey with employees of Bowman -- what have you done to make it a friendly town," he said. "I plan on changing the water cut off to a penalty instead of a water cut off ... I'll shake up the town council. They'll probably wonder what's up after I get in."

A native of Bowman, Pendarvis has a bachelor's degree in computer science from South Carolina State University. He is employed at Husquvana.

Nathaniel Gaines

A 20-year veteran of council, Gaines is running on that experience.

"Good things have been accomplished, and there are more things in the works," he said. "We'll try to make available for sewer and water all of the town. That's not all available for all now," he said. "Also, we'll see if we can get some low-rent houses for all ... Things are going bea.jpgully."

A native of Bowman, Gaines is a high school graduate who has had technical training. He is a retired lab technician.

Marion Glenn Jr.

With the town in the midst of a strategic plan, Glenn says he'll seeking reelection to finish the long- and short-term projects, such as streetscape and the upgrade of sewer and water lines.

"There are plans for downtown development, and we're working on a nature park and a community center. We were looking at getting the old elementary school ... and, we may get a library," he said. "I'm working on a community newsletter ... to keep abreast of what's happening."

Also, Glenn notes, the town has an agreement with Orangeburg County for cleanup and bea.jpgication efforts.

A native of Bowman, Glenn graduated from high school and from a two-year auto technician course at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. He is a supervisor with the St. George School Bus Shop.

Margaret Jones

In making her first run for public office, Jones says she's "interested in the town, because this is where we're going to live."

There are no particular issues, she says, just a general effort to improve.

"There are a lot of things in the making, and we're on a lot of committees," she said. "The little town is getting a streetscape. I'm for just a little bit of everything to improve the town and the quality of life."

A native of Bowman, Jones retired after 36 years in Atlanta to her hometown. She has an associate's degree from Palmer College. She is a floral designer who freelances for big events in Charleston.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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