Local volunteers witness ‘historic day’ as Clinton accepts nomination
Jennifer Stomsky of Ambler stood in the merchandise line at the Democratic National Convention with her mom, Elaine Hannock of Marlborough, Thursday excited for the significance of the night.
“I’m really excited to be here with my mom on such a historic day for women,” Stomsky said.
Hannock had been at the event all week, busily handing out the placards that attendants wave overhead during speeches.
“It’s been stunning,” she said. “I have been starstruck. Dan Rather walked by me and I yelled out, ‘It’s freaking Dan Rather!’ and he busted out laughing. I’ve gottenmy picture with Cory Booker, I’ve seen BobWood- ward … I saw Jesse Jackson yesterday, Donna Brazile… I’ve seen so many people. I saw Gloria Allred yesterday.
“They’re in the crowd, they’re walking around, they’re just a part of us,” she said.
Hannock, an area leader, said the environment was friendly.
“It’s such a kumbuya kind of atmosphere here,” she said. “People are putting their cell phones on the charging stations and walking away.”
As they stood there, they saw Montgomery County Commissioner Vice Chair Valerie Arkoosh and waved hello.
“I’m just so honored to be here representing Montgomery County and the 13th Congressional District,” she said. “To me, I practiced medicine for over 20 years, a very male-dominated profession and then I decided to step into public service and of course, here in Pennsylvania, that is also a very-male-dominated profession and it’s so exciting for me to see Secretary Clinton achieve this most major goal.”
The commissioner spoke to the impact of role models sharing the example of her son.
When hewas 3-years old, he was asked if he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up, but he said no, thinking he couldn’t because of his gender. The only physicians he knew were his mom and his female pediatrician.
Arkoosh also said Clinton’s skills and accomplish- ments position her perfectly for the White House.
“She, I think, is uniquely qualified to really expand the number of families who are lifted up and really can finally be on a level playing field,” the commissioner said. “I think she will do that by working hard to raise the minimum wage, continuing to improve the Affordable Care Act.”
Other pertinent issues she said Clintonwill address include helping women with paid family leave, quality affordable child care and access to birth control.
“These are issues that really can set women and families back significantly,” Arkoosh said. “And, she will also make sure that all women have access to health care services for their personal health.”
The commissioner spoke of why she transitioned to public service after work- ing as an obstetric anesthesiologist and seeing clients of hers struggle with these.
“If I really wanted to help them, I needed to do something different,” she said.
Stomsky, who said she’s been a Clinton supporter since 2008, described what this moment meant for her.
“I think she’s going to be amazing,” she said. “I think she’s going to open up the world for women.”
Stomsky recalled talking to her 10-year-old son about it.
“You don’t get it now, but one day when you’re older you’re going to look back on this day and you’re going to understand why you’re seeing Mommy cry,” she said.
Also the mother of another 7-year-old son, Stomsky paused.
“My sons will never grow up in a world where a black man or a woman can’t be president,” she said.