Aaron Bowman backs Angela Corey for re-election

Jacksonville City Councilman Aaron Bowman, fresh off of getting his slots bill through the council and onto a November referendum, waded into the waters of endorsements Tuesday, backing 4th Circuit State Attorney Angela Corey for re-election.

Veterans Treatment Court was, according to the press release, a big factor in Bowman’s decision.

“Veterans Treatment Court is designed to help veterans who have been honorably discharged, but who are charged with non-violent felonies or misdemeanors, oftentimes stemming from substance abuse or mental health issues,” said the release, which quoted Bowman’s enthusiastic endorsement of the concept.

“Sometimes, the men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom and our great nation come home with PTSD or other issues, and inadvertently land in the criminal justice system …  Angela’s work in Veterans Court has been extraordinary. She’s a true friend to our veterans,” Bowman said.

Corey had kind words for Bowman as well.

“I am honored to have Councilman Bowman’s support, and even more honored to have his support for the work we do in Veterans Court … An important part of the process is looking at the mitigation of illnesses and substance abuse issues that may come as a result of the service that the veteran has given to our country,” said Corey.

Bowman and Corey are linked in endorsements, and also share an interesting political link beyond that.

Alexander Pantinakis, the former Corey campaign manager whose most notable contribution to the effort has been to file the paperwork for a spurious write-in candidate, making the primary a “closed” Republican-only primary, has offered some help on the State House campaign of Terrance Freeman, Bowman’s assistant on the council.

Pantinakis was seen around 9 one Tuesday evening by this reporter going up toward Jacksonville City Council offices with Freeman, as a meeting of the legislative body proceeded. As well, Pantinakis was paid on June 13 $303.88 for “supplies” on Freeman’s most recent campaign finance report.