In the News

Pioneer Press, October 26, 2006

Some 55 people, mostly women looking for a little nudge to throw their hat in Lake Forest's political ring, attended a "Women in Government" program at Lake Forest College Oct. 18.

The city of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest Caucus hosted the event to try to convince more women to seek appointment to a city board or commission. Only 25 percent of 140 positions are filled by women.

The 90-minute program featured a panel of top women leaders and state legislators. They were: State of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois State Sen. Susan Garrett D-29th, of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Caucus President Connie Maines and Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder.

Lake Forest Mayor Michael Rummel introduced the panel members.

"I believe everyone has a civic obligation to give back to the community," Rummel told the audience members in the chapel where the program was held. Rummel spearheaded the effort to encourage more women in town to get involved in city government.

"There are certain sacrifices you have to make if you decide to run for office," Madigan said, noting loss of privacy and loss of personal time with family. "If you're married, if you have a family, it would be really, really helpful if your family supports you in this endeavor," she said. "It's an enormous time commitment."

Madigan balanced those negatives repeatedly by talking about "the impact" a woman can have in government.

"You have an obligation to use the talents you've been given to make a difference in the world," Madigan said.

Garrett also spoke of a "desire to make a difference" that led her to seek public office, something she said she never considered.

"It was the last thing on my mind," Garrett said of running for office.

"I was intimidated" at first, Garrett said. But she has learned to work with both Democrats and Republicans, both men and women to get things done in the Senate.

"Women are better at that. We're consensus builders. That's key: To work together. The challenges are not insurmountable," she said.

Mulder, who has been mayor of Arlington Heights for 14 years after serving on the Park Board there, described herself as a stay-at-home mom who was a joiner but never fathomed getting into government.

"A community is made up of men and women. Shouldn't their leaders be men and women?" Mulder said.

There are two essential qualities Mulder said women should possess if they're thinking about getting into government.

"You must have a willingness to read. You have to educate yourself on the issues. And you have to listen. If you won't listen to your constituents, you won't last long," Mulder said.

Maines talked about the caucus and how to find an application on-line at www.lfcaucus.com.

"Won't you take time to fill in a form? Because we need all of you," she said.

Susan Kelsey of Lake Forest said at a reception after the program that she was encouraged by the presentation to throw her hat in the political ring.

"I definitely want to get involved, whether volunteer or run for office," Kelsey said.

The women speakers who have grappled with the same apprehensions initially "gave me more approval to go ahead and get involved," Kelsey said.

Rebecca Raudabaugh, 15, of Lake Forest attended the session with her mom.

"I thought it was really interesting," Raudabaugh said. "I don't feel the need to run for public office, but it is important to have women represent us."

Mary Gruenes of Lake Forest said she's "always had an interest in volunteering within the community" and added that she attended the evening session because of the speakers.

"They were wonderful," she said.