Female Leaders Lament Hillary’s Close Historic-Making Moment
Like many observers, several local female elected officials were hopeful of ushering in the first woman-led administration in the 240-year history of the United States.
However, with the victory of Republican Donald Trump over Chappaqua’s Hillary Clinton on Election Day, the glass ceiling remains intact, leaving some leaders shattered by the former First Lady’s stunning defeat, while others took some solace in her anticipated two million advantage in the popular vote.
“It was certainly a disappointing day and I, along with many others, were hoping to see a woman becoming president this election year,” said State Assemblywoman Sandra Galef (D/Ossining), who was elected to her 13th term in Albany. “Breaking the glass ceiling is not only important for me but for my daughter and granddaughter, and those women and girls who follow in our footsteps. Women can aspire to any position in government and business and should be able to reach that goal.”
“I was absolutely shocked by the results especially given the polling numbers, which we later learned were not accurate, as well as reports from the early voting patterns,” Galef continued. “Another problem was the fall off in Democratic voters who were counted on to vote for President. We must also remember that Hillary won the popular vote so it is clear that the public will support a woman for President and Commander in Chief of the United States.”
Peekskill Councilwoman Kathy Talbot traveled to Westchester County Airport in the wee hours of Election Day morning to greet Clinton as she arrived from last-minute campaigning.
“Speaking for myself and many other women I know regarding the outcome of this election, we all were shocked and saddened,” Talbot said. “But Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, which is a small, though not insignificant, consolation. I am deeply indebted to Hillary for her commitment to service, leadership and being a great role model for young and old alike.”
“Of course it was a lost opportunity for women to smash the ultimate glass ceiling. Power is not easily wrested, especially to a woman,” maintained Talbot, one of three female Democrats on the Common Council. “Many will say she wasn’t the right woman but that is flat out wrong. But we have made significant progress in electing women to high office as Hillary herself has demonstrated. The ‘final glass ceiling’ of president of the United States will be broken—it’s just a matter of time. And I believe sooner rather than later.”
Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi, who is only the second female to hold the town’s highest seat in its 228-year existence, said Clinton’s loss should diminish her historic appearance on the ballot.
“For Hillary Clinton to have been the first woman nominated by a major political party and that she received the most popular votes on Election Day is a tremendous achievement,” said Puglisi, who has been supervisor for the last 26 years. “She has served our country with distinction for 30 years. I look forward to the day when a woman of either party is our President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, etc. But now as per our Constitution and for our beloved Democracy we need to support the next administration and President. There are so many challenges that we face, but united we will prevail.”
Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker, a Republican, said the results of the election showed Americans were seeking change in the direction of the country but also noted the door was open for a future woman to stand tall in the White House.
“I think when the time is right it will happen,” Knickerbocker said. “They people have spoken and we need to come together as a country. We are Americans first, regardless of party.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D), who has been in office since 1989 and was elected to another two-year term running unopposed last week, is a longtime friend of Clinton and was championing her candidacy. She said she spoke with Clinton following the election and insisted the former Secretary of State was doing okay.
“I have been a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton for many years because of her commitment to our great country, to families, to children,” Lowey said after speaking at a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Cortlandt. “I just wish President Trump good luck. I’m so proud to be an American and to see a smooth transition. There isn’t a person in the world that wouldn’t give their right arm to be a citizen of the United States of America.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/