After completing the primary election, it was clear that there was tremendous potential for Montgomery County to usher in a County Council composed of a majority of women. This created a buzz, both from a general interest perspective but also because it was a great platform to encourage voter turnout during the primary election.
And in fact, Montgomery County did elect 6 women to a Council composed of 11 members.
And people loved it. The media loved it. The politicians loved it. It was an example not only of Montgomery County’s diversity but showcased how it was an example to all the ass-backwards bigoted jurisdictions full of sexist voters.
Each of the male members elected to the council made sure to take to social media and express their excitement in having more women on the council.
Marc Elrich even sought to take credit.
“When I first broached the idea of expanding the council, we discussed the impact it could make on diversity. I don’t think any of us imagined that this could be the result.”
Wrapped up in these accolades is the idea that as a woman these new council members would bring a perspective and point of view that a man simply could not bring. Wrapped up in this idea is that being a woman is fundamentally different than being a man….that it cannot successfully ever be fully replicated by the opposite sex. Of course, the politicians never said this. They probably don’t even realize (and would never admit) that this is what they believe, but it is the only logical conclusion when you look at their statements.
So, the question now is, “How have these women contributed to the county in a way that a man wouldn’t have?” Or said another way, “What has this diversity delivered for Montgomery County?”
Anything? Have the women worked together to fundamentally change the trajectory of young girls in the county? Have they ushered in new opportunity for women in the county? Have they delivered or instilled with overwhelming clarity the principles or perspectives that we all celebrated when electing them and accomplishing the feat of a “majority of women”? What is the difference?
And you might wonder, what is the point.
My point is this. Today our county needs women. It needs every commonly ascribed characteristic of women on full display. It needs the thoughtfulness and compassion that women typically can bring with ease to a situation or conflict. It needs the lack of tolerance for absurdity. It needs the surveillance of resources and protection of the community. And most of all it needs a mom – the individual that is able to mix negotiation, love, firmness, and direction with such grace and effectiveness that it often leaves a man scratching his head.
Come on ladies. Step up. Let us feel the woman behind the women we elected.
