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Women have long way to go in N.J. politics |
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Written by Karina Wilkinson
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Friday, 13 April 2007 |
Published in Home News & Tribune - Central Jersey
Click here for link to published letter
Thanks to the Home News Tribune for a second editorial on the abysmal numbers of women in politics in New Jersey. I agree that it's an embarrassment and we are a century behind. In my home state of California, an impressive 36 percent of 53 Congress members are women. If New Jersey had the same proportion, we would have five women in Congress, instead of none. And while New Jersey has never sent a woman to the Senate, both of California's senators are women.
I'm happy to see Seema Singh endorsed to run for state Senate in the 14th District, although she is running in a tough district while open seats in safe districts in Middlesex County are still filled by men, e.g. Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III in the 18th District. I agree with state Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Mercer, Monmouth, that New Jersey is progressive and diverse enough to elect more women. She says, "We are woefully behind . . . I don't know what accounts for that." I would blame the structure of the parties and their unwillingness to open up the process.
I am less optimistic about the 12 state Senate openings. Besides running women this year, like Seema Singh, I advocate reforming the political process. If Gov. Jon S. Corzine can get a ban on dual office-holding through the Legislature, we could see more future opportunities for women and minorities.
Karina Wilkinson
HIGHLAND PARK
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 October 2007 )
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