The way young people interacted with their world meant that many were more interested in what was happening overseas than in their own neighbourhoods.
Mr Cowley intends to make big use of social media such as Facebook, along with taking a light-hearted tone to the traditional roadside election signs. "The more fun we have, the better."
His bottom line was that it was not a true democracy until all sectors of society were represented around the council table.
He admits his job with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council could be a bit of a hurdle in the minds of some voters.
"Being tarnished with the bureaucratic brush is something I will have to overcome."
The Waikato University graduate, who hails from Taranaki, is a senior policy analyst who also manages the council's regional infrastructure fund.
However, his close links with Tauranga's young professionals meant he was in daily contact with young entrepreneurs.
It was this aspect of his life that has made him aware that Tauranga needed to be the most liveable city in New Zealand, a place of opportunity and innovation. A lot of young professionals were leaving Tauranga because there was nothing to keep them here, he said.
Mr Cowley was concerned the council was spending too much time waiting for the global downturn to finish.
The former member of the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club's board of directors will be standing for one of the council's six at-large seats.
