September 20, 2005
A New Organization for a New Time
By Kathleen Amoia

As the need for political participation on all levels of government becomes more evident in our complex society, a new organization has taken form to enhance the role of women in the political process. The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) swore in its first slate of officers at the Clinton Library on September 7th .

Over a hundred and forty people, all ages and both sexes, gathered to witness the event and meet some of our elected officials. Several State Representatives, including Brian O'Connor , were there to meet and greet and discuss issues with constituents. State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, State Treasurer Denise Napier, and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz also moved among those assembled, receiving warm greetings and an earful of what is on the minds of today's women.

Secretary of State Bysiewicz, in her address to the audience, backed up her statement that Democratic women can make a difference. She explained that a voting analysis of the 2004 election indicated that if more Democratic single women had voted there would have been a different outcome. That would have made all the difference in the upcoming Supreme Court nominations.

Nancy De Nardo, the leader of the State Democratic Party , in her address to the audience, emphasized the inclusiveness of "women's issues". One of her core beliefs is that women bring a different perspective to power, one of great fairness, equity, and conciliation.

Dynamic State Comptroller, Nancy Wyman, in advising women on how to get started in politics, said she began when she wanted to impeach her local Board of Education. Not able to do that, she did the next best thing and ran for the BOE . The rest is history. Wyman encourages women by telling them they are already doing it all, "We are very good at multi-tasking." As for being State Comptroller, she asks bluntly, "Who balances the books at home?"

Newly installed President, Belinda Jones, spoke directly to the need for leadership by women on the local, state, and national level. She referred to the startling statistic that the United States ranks 60th among nations in the percentage of women in government. We are behind Pakistan and Rwanda! In quoting a hero of hers, Lisa Sullivan, who chose to work among the street people of Washington , D.C., Jones stressed "We are the leaders we've been waiting for."

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women is a chapter of the Connecticut Federation of Democratic Women. It includes Killingworth, Clinton, Madison, and Guilford , as well as nine other shoreline towns. Its main objectives are: to unite women to support and advance the principles of the Democratic Party; to encourage growth of a well-informed electorate; and to promote full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party structure.

SLDW will hold meetings on the first Wednesday of the month from September through May, excluding December. For more information about the organization , President Belinda Jones can be contacted at 860 399 1147, and Vice President Laurie Santos at 860 669 8395. A website will soon be launched.

Democratic women thinking about becoming more involved in politics and/or running for office may find this a supportive place to start.

( For more about the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee visit our website at www.killingworth.dems.info)

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