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Women Making a Difference in Local Politics

By Sophia Fontecchio


In the United States, men have traditionally dominated politics. Today in America, women hold approximately 25% of elected positions in government even though 51% of the population is made up of women. Our government should reflect the diversity within our country and represent the people who make it up. Women are making progress, however. In 2021, women make up a quarter of all members of Congress, the highest percentage in history. So in honor of women’s history month, I would like to highlight the importance of women getting involved in government by sharing the story of two local women, parents of Downingtown Area School District students, who were recently elected to local government.

Although there is a major lack of female representation within both national and municipal governments, in Upper Uwchlan Township, two of the three members of the Board of Supervisors are women. Sandy D'Amico was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2017. She was the second female supervisor ever elected. D’Amico is going into her third year on the board of supervisors and has already made much change throughout the community. Upper Uwchlan Township consists of about 12,000 people and its three supervisors represent township residents through making decisions regarding public safety, spending, zoning, roads and streets, the environment, and much more. Sandy D’Amico has focused her energy on environmental issues such as the SUNOCO pipeline and diversity. She stood up to SUNOCO after the spill and she helped hire the township's first African American police officer.

Then, in 2019, Jennifer Baxter was elected to join D'Amico on the board. A committed mother and architect, Jennifer was compelled to run for office to help make change in the community in which her children live. Some of the issues that are important to her include land use, open space and community safety. She was also encouraged to run by the strong showing women had in the 2018 midterm elections nationwide. Some have referred to 2018 as the Year of the Woman because 117 women were elected to Congress. According to Baxter, women’s success at the national level made running for local office seem a more attainable and approachable goal. The women elected nationally in 2018 inspired her. With experience in our local government through her job, Baxter’s campaign had a successful multi-party turn out. Both Sandy D’Amico and Jennifer Baxter are amazing role models of women in government.

After they were elected, coming to their positions and being accepted into the community was not always easy. I spoke with D’Amico regarding her position, and she described an instance when she realized that people did not just view her as a supervisor, but as a female supervisor. A man spoke to her after a meeting and complimented her work as a supervisor, but also commented that his friends complain about having a female supervisor. D’Amico said,

“It was kind of an aha moment that was like: Oh my gosh, people view me as being a woman supervisor, when I just view myself as being a supervisor.” Although they are beginning to be involved in government, women still face backlash simply for their gender. Like D’Amico spoke about, the decades of prejudice concerning women in government has provided citizens with a means for discrimination based on gender in government. Whether it is referring to an official differently simply because of gender, or not voting for a candidate because of gender, the internalized sexism rooted in national and local governments has provided women with the negative mindset that scares them away from politics. In my interview with D’Amico I asked her why she thought women are under-represented in government. D’Amico believes that women often lack the power and entitlement that men have and believe they need to be 100% ready for any job they choose to do. This preconceived mindset has increasingly diminished and will continue to in the future, seeing the great presence of female role models and representation in government. D’Amico mentioned the increasing number of organizations and individuals supporting and teaching women how to become involved. Sandy D’Amico had this advice for young women thinking of running for office: “Believe in yourself, you do have the ability to be successful and change the world.” She also indicated the importance of having a support network. She referred to hers as “Sandy’s Lady Brigade.” Jennifer Baxter also advises young female political hopefuls to: “Go for it….and focus on what your passion is. Use that to forge ahead and be successful.” She advised patience, noting that it can be discouraging when one finds out how long it takes to get anything done. But it is important to keep focused on one’s goals.

In conclusion, now is your time to ‘go for it.’ Make your voice heard. Do not let the small voices around you stop you from attaining your goal, whether it is involving yourself in government or speaking up in class.


 
 
 

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