For Immediate Release: Women's March on Washington Spurs A Wave Of New Political Candidates in Connecticut
Po Murray
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2017
Press Contact:
Sarah Raskin:
Women's March on Washington Spurs A Wave Of New Political Candidates in Connecticut
Hartford, CT-Five organizers of the Connecticut Chapter of the Women’s March on Washington have stepped up to run for elected positions in the CT Municipal Elections on November 7, 2017.
A resounding theme of the Women's Marches across the country was that the nation desperately needs more women to run for office - at all levels of government. The women of Women's March CT-We March On have enthusiastically answered that call, most of whom cite the election of the current president as the primary reason for their urgent interest in entering local politics.
An informal poll taken by the Women's March CT organizers on their Facebook platform revealed over one hundred women who are seeking elected office across Connecticut, from both parties. Many of these women are entering the political arena for the first time, and many are determined to dismantle the patriarchy from within.
In Westport, Melissa Katz Kane, one of the Women’s March CT organizers and Westport DTC Chairman, is running for First Selectman, on a platform that represents ideals shared by Women's March. Kane stated, "I am running for First Selectman because it's a critical time in history and I feel that now more than ever Westport needs a leader who represents its values of inclusiveness, excellence in education, environmental sustainability, and caring for the seniors who built our wonderful town. We need someone who will stand up for those values and has the vision to lead proactively. I am prepared to be that leader."
In Redding, Heather Whaley, another Women’s March CT organizer, author, screenwriter, and activist, is running for Board of Education. Whaley stated, “As I was standing at the Women's March last January, in a sea of people afraid of what the future might bring, unsure that hard-won rights would be protected under this new administration, I likewise heard the challenge to women. Run. Run for something. I had always assumed that there were people who shared my values and who would sacrifice their time and energy for my community, so that I didn't have to. I realize that is a dangerous dream.” Whaley continued, “When I was asked by my Democratic Town Committee to run for Board of Education, it was the day the senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, a billionaire who does not believe in public education, preferring to funnel money to private and religious institutions run by her friends. My children attend public schools, I attended public schools, my husband attended public schools and went on to college, thanks to the Educational Opportunity Program in New York State that may have saved his life. I did not hesitate to say yes.”
In West Hartford, Beth Kerrigan, another Women’s March CT organizer is seeking her second term on Town Council. Kerrigan stated, “We are witnessing a crucial time in history when so much of what we have gained is at risk. The Women's March spoke to the injustices we must fight be they social, racial, economic or environmental. We must all do our part to move us closer to justice for all. This is an all hands on deck moment and I am proud to serve.”
In Windham, Cassandra Martineau, another Women’s March CT organizer and transactivist, is running for Board of Education. Martineau stated, “At a time when extremists have a national platform for their hate-filled rhetoric and actions, it is more important than ever for women and other minorities to show up, stand up, and speak up for values of inclusiveness and equality for all.”
Nija Phelps, another Women’s March CT organizer and a founding board member of the Indivisible group, Fairfield Standing United, is running for a seat on the Board of Alderman in Milford’s First District. Phelps stated she has been driven by a duty to serve her community. "I was asked to run, and I try to be the kind of person who answers the call to something I consider important. I believe that all politics is local, and that's not just a slogan. Change, progress; that happens at the local level and then spreads upward. I want to help by being a voice for the people in my neighborhood. I believe in volunteering and being involved in your community. I'm cooperative and fair and work hard. I want to make life better for everyone by establishing and maintaining equality and equity."
In addition, Nancy Lefkowitz, a strong supporter of Women’s March CT, is seeking to represent District 1 at the Fairfield RTM. Lefkowitz, the Senior Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises/Tribeca Film Festival, organized the massive March for Change in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting which led to the passing of new legislation making Connecticut's gun laws the second strongest in the nation. She went on to serve as a board member for The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and CT Against Gun Violence. Nancy found inspiration in the farewell address of President Obama when he said, "If you are disappointed with your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office…" Lefkowitz stated, "Change will happen, but it’s going to happen at the local level, from the ground up, which is why I am running for a seat at the table at the RTM in Fairfield."
Women make up more that half the U.S. population and yet women held just 23% of government offices, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
These are the current numbers of women serving in government.
-3 out of 9 (33.3%) Supreme Court
-105 out of 535 (19.6%) Congress
-21 out of 100 (21%) Senate
-84 out of 435 (19.3%) House of Representatives
-6 out of 50 (12%) Governors
-20 out of 100 (20%) Mayors in 100 largest cities
-1,844 out of 7383 (25%) State House/Assembly
-1,400 out of 5411 (25.9%) State Legislature
-444 out of 972 (22.5%) State Senate
Women are clearly under-represented in local, state and federal government. That has to change, and if the women of the Women's March CT are any indication, that change starts now.
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About the Women’s March on Washington-Connecticut Chapter: Women’s March Connecticut Chapter is organized by a group of 25 diverse Connecticut women. Like-minded Connecticut residents are encouraged to join our efforts via our Facebook site: Women’s March CT, We March On.
Follow us on Twitter: @WomensMarchCT.
Visit our website: http://womensmarchct.org/
About the Women’s March on Washington: The Women’s March on Washington sent a bold message to the Presidential administration on their first day in office, to leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, Governors and state Congresses, and to the world, that we stand together in solidarity and expect elected leaders to act to protect the rights of women, their families, and their communities.