Editor,
Coming off of Women’s History Month, I find it interesting that after women secured the legal vote 100 years ago, Indiana has never elected a female governor and has never elected a female U.S. senator.
While it is true that we have had at least three females lieutenant governors, we are now among a shrinking number of states which has never elected a female governor. The same holds true for the office of senator.
Although we do have U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks as a district representative, we need to do more to encourage and support women of all political parties to seek higher office and represent our state both here and in Washington, D.C. In fact, if you look at the diversity in our local legislature, you will not find much. As our demographics shift, as women become more involved in running businesses, universities and communities, I believe it is time to put away long-held prejudices (yes, I said that) and realize that we are all “in this together,” and that only by equal representation of men and women, without prejudicial regard for ethnicity, color, religion and gender, can we move forward in a world that is vastly different than the one in which congress passed the bill which led to the right of women to vote on June 4, 1919, and was ratified Aug. 18, 1920.
Hoosiers can do better, in my opinion, and I encourage all women who have the interest in serving our state and the public, which deserves the best representation possible, to strongly consider how you can serve Indiana as we move forward in the 21st century.
Sharon McMahon, Noblesville
