I RAN... AND I WON!

When I read this article, I was not surprised that women are often more effective legislators than men. However, what was a shock was that only 2% of all congress since 1789 have been women. We have got to get busy!

I admit I never thought about running for office. I didn’t believe I knew enough to speak intelligently on issues of interest to voters. Dare I admit it was my mom who urged me to run for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner having witnessed my intense involvement in Hillary’s campaign. My initial response, “What is that?” Then I looked at the political landscape in my home town and realized how few women there were with decision making authority. My former job had required me to manage employee expectations – now I would be managing constituents’. I am surprised how similar human resources is to government!

So I ran and I came in the top 25 for overall votes. I don’t know if it was my pledge to improve the overall safety, communication and well-being of my district or the fact that I stood at the polls on Election Day in the rain wearing an apron, a billboard sign and holding a skillet and spatula reciting, “Get Cookin’ With Cook For ANC”. “Add a little sizzle with Cook for ANC”. When you’re the only one hamming it up and you’re a woman – you stand out among voters.

So it’s now nine months later. I have installed a bus shelter to protect commuters, school children and the elderly from the heat, rain and cold. I had a vacant house cleaned up. Two streets have now been repaired with new sidewalks installed. I advocated for park benches to be purchased for two nearby green spaces (I await the city’s response). Currently, I am lobbying for a Women’s History Trail to be blazed in the Nation’s Capital. It is exciting to bring about positive changes in people’s lives.

Indeed this has been a life-affirming experience, but not always easy. I have learned a lot in a short time about how city government works. For telling my constituents the truth, I was called a liar. For seeking clarity on agency policy, I was thrown under the bus by my Councilmember. I stood up as the lone commissioner to testify at a very contentious hearing on an issue that has pitted neighbor against neighbor in my district. I survived. “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” (Friedrich Nietzs)

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the job to date (besides driving past the bus shelter and seeing everyone snuggled together underneath) is what I know now about myself. At the end of the day, I can live with my decisions that serve the public interest - not the special or the self- interest. For this politician, MY VALUES TRUMP VOTES! Think of this trend continuing as more women take to the helm…

And don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder – Just Do It!