Mothers in Politics

Today's Deseret News has an article about women/moms in politics. I never read Mayor Anderson's op-ed piece about Ms. Wilson, but today's article brought back memories of experiences and thoughts I had while running for office.

I was appointed to the Orem City Council in 2001 when my children were 4 and 10 years old. Since then, I have successfully run two times. My youngest doesn't really remember what it was like "pre-City Council", but my oldest does.

During my campaign, I remember a resident asking me how I felt "leaving your adorable children at home" and running for office. I told the resident that my family fully supported my bid and I would not run without their support. I also told the resident that the leader of my church has encouraged members to participate in the community, including running for office. I explained my church leader didn't say "men only", but left gender out of the equation.

Do I feel my family has suffered because I have served as an elected official? No. There have been hectic times where dinner was take-out, a birthday celebration was extended a day (much to the delight of the birthday celebrant), parts of vacations were spent electronically participating in city council meetings, or Mom was a stress puppy about something she couldn't discuss (closed door meeting items), but I hope they have learned a lot by my participation. On a lighter note, my youngest learned that one doesn't eat Cheetos while stapling rubber bands onto campaign literature. My kids roll their eyes when Mom or Dad say "Look! Remember campaigning in this neighborhood?"

I want my children to know while being a councilcmember has had its hard times, I have loved serving. I want them to understand they can make a difference in their community. I want them to see their mother have courage to do something she feels is right, though politically unpopular. I want them to see that I care about them enough to be on the occassional firing line to make the community we live in a better place. I want to teach them by example. I believe my reasons aren't reserved for only women to think about.

Do I think about gender (or ethnicity, or hair color, or height) when I support candidates? No. It honestly doesn't cross my mind. It doesn't matter how God made them, I want them to be people of integrity, have common sense, have a passion to serve and will play well with others.

Addtionally for me, the keys were to realize to every thing there is a season, make sure one has complete family support and have your favorite take-out restaurants on speed dial.