Female leaders share experiences, encourage participation

In 1975, a St. George's resident became the first woman elected to the House of Assembly.

The achievements of Hazel MacIsaac, who also went on to become the mayor of that community, were highlighted last week and used as examples of what women can achieve during a Women in Municipal Elections luncheon in Stephenville.

A panel of female municipal politicians from the communities of St. George's, Stephenville and Stephenville Crossing were on hand to speak about their experiences and answer questions. St. George's-Stephenville East MHA Joan Burke also attended the luncheon.

he session, sponsored by the Bay St. George Status of Women, was meant to educate women on the roles of municipal leaders in their communities and to encourage participation in elections.

"I think it's the most rewarding volunteer organization that I've ever been involved with," said Leona Webb, Stephenville Crossing deputy mayor and the first female mayor of that community, of sitting on a municipal council. "The self satisfaction from it is helping individuals, seeing your town grow, trying to encourage people to stay."

A 16-year member of Stephenville's town council, Laura Aylward said she initially ran because of the encouragement of somebody at a hospital radiothon who said she would be good at it.

"Being a woman that was kind of a good compliment," she said.

Being a councillor in the largest of the Bay St. George communities provides lots of challenges said the councillor, who told the women she receives calls from residents on everything from dog poop in yards to inquiries about what the town plans to do with buildings and various issues.

Many of the luncheon's attendees questioned the time commitment in belonging to a town council, and while Deputy Mayor Webb highlighted the value of becoming a member she didn't hesitate at outlining the amount of work involved.

"We meet once a week - once a month in summer - we have special meetings for special occasions. I'm a member of the Southwest Coast Joint Council. Those meetings are in different towns so there's your day right there."

The deputy mayor also noted she is her council's member on the western waste management committee, a member of the Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce through her workplace and a member of the Stephenville Rotary Club.

"And on Canada Day you'll probably find me at the [celebrations] calling bingo."

The deputy mayor said she would love to see more young women get involved in municipal politics, emphasizing that while there is a time commitment, it is usually one that is manageable.

"Any woman can turn a 24-hour day into a 48-hour day," she said. "I found the time and you can do it too."

Chiming in on the issue of time, MHA Joan Burke, who is also the Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, agreed political jobs are doable, even with a young family, and that its important to set boundaries.

"Any work I do on weekends is in my own district," said the minister. "You put those rules around you and work around those rules. People understand it and respect it."

Provincial municipal elections will be held in September.