Women are changing political discourse in Taos and beyond
THERE IS ONE “TOP TEN” LIST
on which New Mexico is proud to stand: Our state is among those boasting the highest percentage of women elected officials.
According to the Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of Politics, Center for American Women and Politics, 43.8 percent of 112 New Mexico state legislative seats, 60 percent of five Congressional seats and 42.9 percent of seven statewide elective executive seats are held by women. National averages are 30.9 percent, 26.5 percent, and 30.5 percent, respectively.
And those heartening statistics do not reflect New Mexico's own Debra Haaland, the 54th Secretary of the Interior and first
Native American Cabinet Secretary.
On a local level, we are seeing more women than ever bringing their unique standing and experience to the world of politics. It's about time, many would say; after all, women comprise 51.1 percent of the Taos County population, according to the latest U.S. Census.
Right now, three of the five Taos County Commissioners are female, as are the mayors of Red River and Angel Fire, and a village council member in Questa. As of press time, there is a female candidate running for mayor of the Town of Taos, and three women vying for two Town Council seats.
“When I was first elected, I think there was more of a difference in how women were treated in politics,” said Mayor of Red River Linda Calhoun, alluding to her election to town council in 1996. “I remember in my first debate being asked if, as a woman, I could be effective in Santa Fe. I had never thought about it until I was asked the question.”
“The stakes [in politics] are different for women,” said Anjanette Brush, county commissioner for District 4. “Whether it's our health care or employment discrimination and pay equity, educational opportunities or child care and family leave, we're not done fighting for and protecting our rights. Whether they prioritize them or not, women candidates do bring a different relationship to and perspective on those issues.” 10 »