In the News
Three-night process led to MWPAC endorsementsOctober 7, 2024 at 12:54 p.m. The Marin Women’s Political Action Committee recently wrapped up a three-night endorsement process, unveiling its slate of endorsed candidates for the November 2024 local elections. As vice president of the organization, I can report that MWPAC members assessed 55 candidates for 21 local offices based on qualifications, experience and dedication to a more inclusive Marin County. Candidates were questioned on critical issues affecting women, including reproductive health, gun violence, disaster preparedness, child care access, economic equality, affordable housing and mental health services — issues vital to the entire community. Additionally, this year’s process featured high school student panelists, whose insightful questions highlighted the importance of engaging young voters. In today’s heated political climate, MWPAC provides a unique space for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful interaction. We remain committed to empowering women in politics by identifying and supporting pro-choice candidates, and our endorsement process helps voters make informed decisions. As part of this effort, we encourage all Marin County voters to back candidates dedicated to gender equality and reproductive rights. If you’re passionate about increasing the representation of women in public office, and would like to know more about our endorsements, we invite you to join our efforts by going to MWPAC.org. | Marin Voice: Women’s PAC pushes to engage more local candidates August 11, 2024 at 2:23 p.m. With the announcement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, women across the country are inspired by the hope of the first female president in United States history. Hillary Clinton broke barriers in 2016, becoming the first woman to head a major party ticket for the nation’s highest elected office. Could 2024 be the year our country finally elects its first female president? There are many of us, men and women, working to make this a reality. Electing more women to public office is essential for representing the perspectives of women in government. Men can certainly be empathetic of women’s concerns, but women will prioritize and fully understand the issues we face relating to reproductive rights, motherhood, unequal pay, bias in the workplace, sexual harassment, domestic violence and more. As Melinda French Gates wrote: “When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, it was yet another reminder that we still live in a country where decisions are made for women rather than by them.” If we want to control the agenda, make decisions and allocate resources, then it is imperative that women win more seats at the table. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, just 32.3% of municipal office holders across the country are female. While there are a record number of women in Congress today, the percentage of women is still only 28% across both houses. The percentages of female governors and lieutenant governors are even more bleak. A bedrock principle of democracy is representation, and we need our government to look more like the people it is intended to serve. While Vice President Harris has attracted much attention to the female cause at the national level, it is important to remember that the fight for women’s representation takes place at every level of our political system. I know this personally, having recently been elected to the Larkspur City Council, proudly bringing female representation on the current council to 50%. Our state and local governments control over $3.7 trillion in spending annually and create policies that impact people’s daily lives. Women can effect transformative policymaking at the state and local levels with respect to education, childcare, healthcare and a host of other issues that have historically gone unaddressed. This is why I am working to encourage more women to run for local elected offices here in Marin. The Marin Women’s Political Action Committee (MWPAC) does excellent work to increase female representation and support pro-choice candidates. In the March special election this year, every candidate that received a MWPAC endorsement won their election or advanced to a run-off in November. MWPAC recently held a “Run to Win” educational series, providing critical training on how to run a campaign. Let’s be honest – running for office requires a commitment of time and resources, two things women have historically lacked versus men. And women, particularly minority women, have to work extra hard to prove their qualifications. MWPAC helps women overcome these deficits and achieve their leadership potential. As it has done for nearly 20 years, MWPAC will be hosting three endorsement nights in September to vet candidates competing for seats at the city and county levels. Everyone (regardless of age, gender, membership status) is welcome to attend the endorsement nights, but only members are eligible to vote. You must join by August 11 in order to vote in this September’s endorsement nights. Membership is open to everyone, and sign-up is easy online at www.mwpac.org. MWPAC offers direct ways for Marinites to participate in our local democratic process and contribute to the election of more women to public office. Sometimes, electing a woman to local office puts her on a path to higher office. Kamala Harris traces the start of her career in public service as a district attorney in San Francisco. Roughly half of the women in Congress today served in their state legislatures. Local and state governments provide vital experience and prepare women for advancement. Our local elections matter. Electing more women to local office will enrichen our democracy and bring us closer to a world where all groups may have equal representation in our government. |
Larkspur to fill council vacancy with election May 17, 2024 at 9:31 a.m. Larkspur residents will vote on a candidate to fill the remaining term of former councilmember Kevin Carroll, who died in March. The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to put the seat up for election on Nov. 5. Carroll died of lung cancer last month at 73. Known as an advocate for rent control, he served on the council from December 2022 until his death. “We considered appointing someone to fill Councilman Carroll’s seat, but ultimately decided it would be best to leave it up to the voters of Larkspur,” Mayor Scot Candell said. The election is expected to cost the city between $13,000 and $27,000, according to a staff report. The council already has two full-term seats on the ballot, so the costs will already be incurred. City staff previously raised potential legal concerns about an appointment because Candell and Councilmember Gabe Paulson obtained their seats in uncontested elections. If the Candell and Paulson seats were to be construed as appointments, and Carroll’s successor were appointed, the city could be viewed as violating a state law barring council majorities from being appointed, according to City Attorney Sky Woodruff. Stephanie Andre, the winner of a three-way special election in March, was sworn in on April 3. Andre replaced Kevin Haroff, who resigned because he moved to Novato. Andre said the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee will hold a two-session training workshop to assist potential candidates and campaign volunteers in learning more about running a campaign for elected office. “I still believe the people of Larkspur should choose who represents them on council,” Andre said. “I met many thoughtful, engaged citizens when I was campaigning for my seat, and I hope more people will consider public service as a way to give back to our community.” The filing period runs July 15 through Aug. 9. The Marin County Elections Department will begin sending out mail-in ballots on Oct. 7. On Election Day, the polls and the county elections office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The election has a deadline must be certified by Dec. 5. | Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for April 3, 2024 April 2, 2024 at 12:47 p.m. Marin Women’s PAC has a worthy mission I recently learned about the Marin Women’s Political Action Committee while running a successful campaign for a seat on the Larkspur City Council. Through MWPAC, I met many accomplished people eager to support the election of women to public office. MWPAC creates an environment where supporters champion women in pursuit of equality and economic parity, including reproductive freedom. I joined immediately. Several members from MWPAC helped guide me through the campaign process. I am grateful for the relationships that have formed as a result. On International Women’s Day, MWPAC hosted a luncheon for elected women. It celebrated the contributions of women in our community. Over 100 attendees gathered to show support for the progress of women. The event recognized 30 elected officials, 22 of whom are women. It also honored 31 women student leaders representing high schools and universities in Marin. It was moving. Retired Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey recounted the origins of Women’s History Month, tracing back to Sonoma County in the late-1970s. Betty Yee, the former state controller, spoke about her path to public service. It was invigorating to be in a roomful of female trailblazers and the next generation of female leaders. There is power when people come together to support women. While we have made immense strides, there is more to be done. I hope more women in Marin consider public service. I encourage anyone interested in advancing women’s causes and connecting with like-minded, talented people to get involved. |