Dowling calls foreclosure a ‘short-term challenge’
A state representative-elect said he and his family will remain in their Uniontown home after working with the mortgage company to reinstate the loan secured to purchase the residence.
On Tuesday, Wells Fargo Bank of South Carolina filed a civil complaint in Fayette County Court of Common Pleas against Matthew Dowling of Uniontown notifying him that the financial institution has begun mortgage foreclosure proceedings.
Dowling, a Republican, bested veteran Democratic state Rep. Tim Mahoney in the November election for the 51st Legislative District seat.
Dowling was the only candidate to challenge Mahoney.
“Like a lot of hard-working Americans, my wife and I fell behind on some bills when life circumstances arose and presented a challenge to our family finances,” he said in correspondence on Thursday. “All of this happened within the past few months.
“With that said, all outstanding bills are being taken care of. We have entered into a reinstatement with the bank that will reinstate our mortgage on Dec. 5.”
According to the court document, Dowling purchased the 1920-brick Charles Street home in May 2009 for a principal amount of $131,583.
The agreement required a monthly payment through 2039.
Installment payments ceased July 1.
Court documents indicate that the total amount due is $127,838, including the principal amount plus interest and late charges.
A small business owner and community volunteer, Dowling said during his campaign that he understood the day-to-day struggles of the district’s constituents, as he, too, was among them.
“I’ve faced the challenges of making ends meet, creating and sticking to a budget, and meeting a payroll,” he said when announcing his candidacy. “These are skills I will use to bring strong fiscal discipline to Harrisburg.”
Dowling is the owner of Coordinated 360, an event management, video production and entertainment provider based in Uniontown.
Dowling, meanwhile, said some in the political arena, including Mahoney, have been critical of his circumstances, while he believes the situation will add to his foundation and allow him to better serve the constituency.
“I believe this situation can only make me a better representative as I understand more clearly than ever the challenges that too many of our citizens face,” he said. “My wife and I were lucky.
“We faced a short-term challenge and were able to address it quickly. Too many have faced the same challenge for too long.
“I am more committed than ever before to work toward the economic and job growth that helps everyone in our community.”