In the News

Pioneer Press, October 12, 2006

In an effort to bring more women out to serve on city commissions and boards, the City of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest Caucus will host "Women in Government" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the Lake Forest College Chapel, 555 N. Sheridan Road.

The program will feature top women leaders and state legislators, including State of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-29th, of Lake Forest and Village of Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder, who will provide personal insights on their experiences in public office and why they became involved in government.

Women's views and input are key to the future of the community, program organizers say.

"There does need to be representation of women to get that balance," said Connie Maines, Lake Forest Caucus president. While women throughout the community volunteer in a number of ways, "they just haven't been involved that much in government," she said.

Of eight alderman who serve on the City Council, one is a woman: Debbie Haddad. In office just six months, Haddad is the first female alderman in three years. There has never been a woman mayor, though the city is well over 100 years old.

"As far as we can tell, I'm the first female caucus president," Maines adds.

Currently there are 34 of 127 caucus-nominated and mayoral-appointed positions are filled by women.

"I think women have always felt that politics has sort of a bad image," Garrett said of why women are so reluctant to get involved in government. "It's is harder for women. There are fewer of us. It is a male-dominated profession."

Garrett started in politics on the local level as a community activist working on school, environment and transportation issues.

"A woman's perspective is invaluable" on local boards and commissions, Garrett said. "We're the ones who have been able to spend more time during the day with children, we understand the needs of the community. We're able to bring that to the table.

A woman's viewpoint "adds perfect balance to the status quo," Garrett said.

The caucus would like to tap into the pool of talented women who live in the community to serve in a civic role and provide that female voice.

"We have so many qualified people living in this community," Maines said. "We just want to spread it around. So many people say, 'I want to give back to the community.'"

Serving in local government is the perfect way to accomplish that, they agree.

Haddad, an attorney, served on two boards before being appointed a city alderman.

"The key for any woman contemplating a role in government is to find an area where you are well-versed. That's where you bring your strengths to the community," she said.

Haddad advised women to consider a move to government as "just a natural extension of your own experience," she said.

Haddad served on the Historic Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to her City Council appointment.

"It's refreshing and exciting to be part of that process," Haddad said of serving in city government.

She spoke also of "the ability to truly contribute to the local community" as well as the collegiality that develops among board members.

"It is a camaraderie," Maines agrees. "It is enjoyable working with people who have a similar goal: Making Lake Forest a special place."

Information about the session and applying for a role in city government can be accessed from the caucus Web site: www.lfcaucus.com.