Women in Government discussion packs appreciative crowd at Frelinghuysen Arboretum

By newjerseyhills.com

MORRIS TWP. – Don’t look now, but expect more women to become active in elective office in the future.

That is the optimistic assessment discussed during “Women in Government: Speaking Up, Shaping Change’’ the panel discussion sponsored by Impact100 Garden State Thursday, March 19 at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.

The panel’s participants were Shelley Brindle, a former Democratic Westfield mayor; Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, a Republican; and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, and Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney, D-Morris, both of New Jersey’s 25th legislative district.

The speakers discussed their experiences in running for elective office and provided insights in how more women could become more active in government roles. An audience of about 130 guests, most of them women, were in attendance to hear the talk which was recorded by the streaming site ONNJ.

The politicians talked about themselves and their work. They spoke about the unique ways they got into politics. They spoke about obstacles they overcame and ways they believed they made an impact. They also mentioned how they made sure their message was getting out and provided some last minute advice for potential office seekers.

Afterwards they were cautiously optimistic at the future role women could take in becoming active in Garden State politics.

“We need to have more of these,’’ Dunn said. “Often you are the only woman at certain rooms or certain conference tables.’’

Dunn said it would be helpful to have more of a support system for women in government. There is also plenty of room for growth. Dunn said she is only one of three Republican women in the General Assembly out of 80 members and five Republican women in the New Jersey Legislature total.

Dunn said that although the current political climate may not be best for new female leaders, individuals that are inclined to give it a try, are out there.

“None of us had that calling when we were young,’’ Dunn said. “We need more of a support system.

“When I’m talking to students, the ones that linger after (speaking) are the young women. They are less likely to raise their hands and ask questions.’’

Having role models helps. Canose’s came in the form of Millicent Fenwick, a Bernardsville native and member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“I just adored her,’’ Canose, the Bernardsville mayor since 2019, said. “She was my reason for getting into government. I think having those role models really helps.”

Canose does see more young women getting interested in politics compared to the previous generation.

“We are getting there,’’ Canose said. “More women I talk to are interested. They may not be ready yet but the interest is there.’’

Like many politicians she is even more interested to see if new Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s term encourages more young women to consider careers in politics.

“(Sherrill) is just getting started. I’m really excited to see what she is going to do,’’ Sweeney said.

Sweeney is one of the new faces in New Jersey politics. The Morristown business owner brings a background in women’s health, wellness leadership and entrepreneurship. She joined the General Assembly in January.

“Mikie Sherril being the Governor of New Jersey, as a female, creating that imagery, having little girls see that and even young women, or older women see that, I hope that pushes forward people finding confidence to run,’’ Sweeney said.

All of the panelists as well as moderator Lisa Marie Falbo are members of Impact100 Garden State. Although the panel was a mix of Democrats and Republicans, party ideology was never addressed.

Impact100 Garden State, a nonprofit organization, engages women in philanthropy by collectively providing high impact grants to nonprofit organizations serving Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Union Counties.

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