Women and Their Evolving Role in Politics
by ROCHELLE A. SHENK

Welcome to the first in a series of articles designed to educate women about the political process and public leadership. Women bring a different outlook to government, with distinct issues, agendas, and fresh ideas. It is important for government to be inclusive of the woman's perspective in policies and programs in order to address the changing concerns in America today.

In upcoming issues, Rochelle Shenk will acquaint us about different aspects of government including the various offices and responsibilities; insight as to how to decide if you should run for office on a personal and a financial level; differences between "influential" groups; and how to organize a campaign, just to name a few.

Each month you will be enlightened by women who have participated in political policy. We encourage you to become involved in whatever capacity your time, energy, and dedication permits.

It's quite fitting that we begin our series on women in politics this month-the 85th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution will be celebrated on August 26. The 19th amendment is the one that granted women the right to vote.

Being granted what seems to us today as one of the most fundamental rights of being a United States citizen was quite a big deal back then. Women fought long and hard for the right to vote.

According to World Book, a women's suffrage amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1878-it failed to pass but was reintroduced in every session of Congress for the next 40 years. Changing social conditions in the early 1800s combined with the idea of equality led to the women's suffrage movement. At that time women started to receive more education and to take part in reform movements that involved them in politics.

While they could participate in reform movements that influenced issues, they could not vote; and they began to ask why. Those who were opposed to women's suffrage believed that women were less intelligent and less able to make political decisions than men, while others feared that women's participation in politics would lead to the end of family life.

One of the first public appeals for women's suffrage came in 1848 when Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton called a women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The 300 men and women at the convention adopted a Declaration of Sentiments (modeled after the Declaration of Independence) that called for women to have equal rights in education, property, voting and other matters. Today the National Women's Hall of Fame is headquartered in Seneca Falls. Women's suffrage leaders Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony are among the many women who have been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

A popular ad in the '80s said 'you've come a long way baby," and women have, but there's still a way to go. Pennsylvania ranks 48 or 49 for having women serving in political offices. Karen Best, a former municipal official, noted that Pennsylvania politics has been dominated by men so there are not a lot of role models for women.

However, there are some positives. "We're making inroads, but it takes decades; women need to be active in local politics first and then they rise up to the state and national levels. We do have a lot of women serving on our local boards," she explained. Best was the first woman to serve as chair of the Board of Supervisors of Silver Spring Township. "We encouraged women to serve on our municipal boards, and we had some very talented women on each of our boards," she remarked. She also made an unsuccessful bid for Cumberland County Commissioner two years ago in what she calls a tough campaign.

Best is also a member of the Cumberland County Commission for Women. In 1974 the Pennsylvania Commission for Women was established-its mission is to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential. Many counties, but not all, have a Commission for Women.

Best indicated that the Cumberland County organization has been involved in several major projects. "As our first effort, we published a guide for women starting businesses," she said. They also collaborated on a guide to human resources and in 2003 held a one-day seminar for women on how to run for political office with sessions on fundraising, marketing yourself, the nuts & bolts of politics, networking techniques, and the importance of polling. For the past two years, they've sponsored a joint program with Mechanicsburg's Joseph T. Simpson Library in March (Women's History month) on famous women in history.

Best noted that today there are strong women on both sides of the aisle who can serve as mentors including Senator Jane Earll and Patricia "Pat" Vance. "Perhaps in 10 or 20 years we'll have more women in the legislature; men are more accustomed to writing a check to support a candidate than women are, but that's changing," she said.

Vance noted that it's important to have women as legislators; not only do women make up more that half of the state's population, but also women have a different perspective. "Women have traditionally been the caregivers in the family, and healthcare is a driving issue in this year's budget," she remarked.

Vance's senate term began in January (see sidebar for other offices held). She noted that gender is not as much of a handicap as it had been in the past; in fact it's nearly disappeared. "We need to compete on an equal basis with men and not expect special treatment," she stressed.

Vance is a firm believer that you must know your community to represent it. She takes this advice to heart. Her legislative district of approximately 60,000 people was relatively suburban, while her senatorial district of approximately 240,000 people is a more diverse mix of rural and suburban areas. "I've been spending a lot of time in the rural areas," she said.

As for the media and their treatment of women, Vance noted that she has not experienced any bias. "I don't go looking for gender bias. However, I do still occasionally see something in a paper that describes a female candidate's apparel (something they wouldn't do when writing about a man)," she said.

Best noted that initially the media did treat her differently, but that's pretty much changed. She cautions women who are seeking political office to consider their dress carefully-don't wear anything too provocative, don't wear flashy jewelry (even if it's a family heirloom or gift from a spouse); dress can be casual yet professional.

She also stresses that a female candidate can say yes she's married, and yes, she has a family. But she cautions against focusing too heavily on either one of those.

Best also noted that Pennsylvania is one of the few states in which being a legislator is a full-time position with a significant salary. "In New Hampshire, being a legislator is a part-time position and the salary is approximately $10,000. The ratio of men and women is close to being evenly split," she said.

Vance offers a parting bit of advice-"Establish yourself in a profession first; politics is not the way to make money. Also, know your community well," she said.

Patricia H. Vance
Senator, District 31

What prompted you to enter politics?
I had always been involved in many community organizations. Our family lived in an old farmhouse, and I started to trace its history. Almost by accident I found the Recorder of Deeds was not going to run for re-election. At the time I was employed as a registered nurse but ran and was fortunate to win. When Hal Mowery (then a Representative) decided not to run again for the House, I ran in a heated four-way primary and won.

What political offices have you held prior to being elected Senator?
I was the former Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds 1978-1990; Member of the House of Representatives 1991-2004; and now member of Senate since January 4, 2005.

Any piece of advice you would give someone thinking about entering politics?
Become involved in your local community - school and social service organizations. You need to know your community if you're going to represent it.

Karen Best
Cumberland County commission for Women

What prompted you to enter politics?
I was a Republican Committeewoman in Silver Spring Township and we couldn't find anyone to run in the primary for township supervisor. I ran so we would have someone on the ballot.

What political offices have you held?
I won that race and the general election and served six years as a Silver Spring Township supervisor, four of them as chairman of the board. I guess I got hooked at that point! I've been a State Republican Committeewoman for Cumberland County since 1998.

Any piece of advice you would give someone thinking about entering politics?
If you're too soft or too accommodating, then you're seen as too much of a woman. If you're too aggressive, you're too much like a man. Be natural, and normal. On issues I cared about I would be vocal about my opinions. If there was a disagreement, I tried to find a common ground and compromise.

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