Metro Jacksonville

QuoteWomen hold only 17% of the seats in Congress.

Less than 25% of state-elected legislators and officials are women.

Of our 50 governors, only 6 are women.

Here in Jax women are making "giant leaps"?

Hoping we have our first woman mayor soon.........Maybe even get our first female State governor: Go Alex, Go Paula!!!

QuoteWomen step to the forefront in First Coast leadership
Submitted by Abel Harding on Sun, 12/20/2009 - 00:33.

In 1992, after the female membership of the U.S. Senate tripled from two to six, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., reacted somewhat negatively to the oft-repeated phrase, “Year of the Woman.”

“Calling 1992 the 'Year of the Woman,’ ” Mikulski told members of the press corps, “makes it sound like the 'Year of the Caribou’ or the 'Year of the Asparagus.’ We’re not a fad, fancy, or a year.”

Mikulski was right, of course. The election of 1992 merely laid the foundation for the heightened role that women have come to play in the nation’s capital. Eighteen years later, 2010 is  shaping up to be just that kind of milestone year in Jacksonville.

For the first time in Jacksonville’s history, women will chair the boards of three of the city’s four independent agencies â€" JEA, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce will also be headed by a woman, and a Jacksonville woman will chair the Florida Transportation Commission.

Now, to be sure, none of these women are new to public service. All have previously served on boards or commissions, but this is the first time (other than a brief period when women held a one-seat majority on the City Council) that women have held such consequential positions around the city.

“We’ve all been diligently working in these fields,” said Marty Lanahan, who recently took over as chair of the Florida Transportation Commission, which serves as the citizen’s oversight board for the Florida Department of Transportation. “This is simply a product of hard work.”

Lanahan, the North Florida area executive for Regions Financial Corp., has a resume that reads like a public service catalogue. She’s served on JEA’s board, the Cultural Council and the Florida Theatre, among numerous others.

Cynthia Austin, an attorney in private practice who chairs  JEA, says she’s excited to see more women in positions of prominence.

“The inclusion of women is not really a thought anymore,” Austin said. “Instead, officials ask, 'Who is best equipped to handle this role?’ Fortunately, there are plenty of women with the ability to step forward.”

Deborah Pass-Durham, who chairs the board of JAA, says any perception of a glass ceiling no longer holds true. The mother of a 3-month old, Durham says finding balance is always a challenge, but that her public service commitments energize her.

Attorney Ava Parker has had years of experience with the Public Service Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation. She recently  took the chair for JTA.

“Leadership,” Parker said, “has an obligation to ensure that public boards represent the populace that they serve, and as women, we can add a valuable perspective.”

Kelly Madden, the incoming chairwoman of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, certainly faces challenges in her new role. Madden, a regional president of Wachovia, a Wells Fargo company , says economic development and retaining the Jacksonville Jaguars are her top concerns for the coming year.

“We have got to retain every job we can in this region and create new opportunities,” Madden said. “Keeping the Jaguars here is a big part of that mission.”

Coincidentally, the coming year will also feature at least one woman vying for the city’s top job. Audrey Moran, a former assistant state attorney, became the first candidate to file for the March 2011 mayor’s race. Her candidacy marks the first time in Jacksonville history that a woman has emerged in the top tier of mayoral candidates.

One thing is for sure: All of these women have worked hard to get where they are. And that’s a point that Pass-Durham made clear.

“The achievements of this group,” she said, “stand on their merit alone, whether male or female.”

It’s a perfectly valid point, but it’s worth recognizing that this isn’t your grandmother’s Jacksonville.

Progress is a marvelous thing.



abel.harding@jacksonville.com

(904) 359-4184

Follow me on Twitter @AbelHarding

http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/abel_harding/2009-12-20/women_step_to_the_forefront_in_first_coast_leadership

Are we ready for more progress?

Does it really matter?  If a woman is more qualified than a man then let's go for it.

Honestly, sex has no bearing on my vote, only qualifications and capabilities do.

Look at Houston, they elected an openly gay woman as mayor.

Women should not be voted just because they are women,but based on some kind of qualification...good at lying,promising things,connections with mafia etc.

Quote from: stephendare on December 21, 2009, 11:49:56 AM
Definitely ready for a woman for mayor! ;)

YEP! As long as it's someone who knows the difference between sensible commuter rail and high speed rat trains. I wouldn't hurt to have a progressive view on mass transit and critical eye toward BRT.

You know we're 84Th, because middle age white men, like Lakelander, have held them back!

OCKLAWAHA

We run into the problem we are actually fighting (ironically enough) the 'old ways'.

Old traditional voting and politics are still to strong in this country that's why its such a bastard of a fight to change things for equality. For everyone regardless of who you are.

Religion is to strong in politics even tho there is suppose to be a separation of church and state, there isn't. That is one of the biggest problems I see in this country.

Quote from: Sportmotor on December 21, 2009, 05:03:50 PM
We run into the problem we are actually fighting (ironically enough) the 'old ways'.

Old traditional voting and politics are still to strong in this country that's why its such a bastard of a fight to change things for equality. For everyone regardless of who you are.

Religion is to strong in politics even tho there is suppose to be a separation of church and state, there isn't. That is one of the biggest problems I see in this country.

I agree. The GOP's turn to the right in recent years hasn't helped:

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z276/fayeforcure/women1.png)

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/11/republicans-far-behind-on-women.html


The US used to be quite advanced, but we've fallen far behind even third world countries on women in leadership!

Here is an older chart that still shows the US in 70th place, vs our current 85th ranking:

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z276/fayeforcure/women22bycountry.png)

Abel - You have yet to cover basket weaving as a sport for the Olympics. Your involvement at the TU seems very planned by others. Your readers would like some new harder hitting topics than these softballs. Perhaps 2010 will bring you a set.

I agree Faye... It is time for women to step it up.

atleast if a women was presedent now, our troops could wage war the way it needs to be done and without being politcally correct...atleast once a month XD

Women don't need to be politically active. They have husbands for that.

Buckethead in 2010'

Quote from: BridgeTroll on December 22, 2009, 08:55:27 AM
I agree Faye... It is time for women to step it up.

BT, we finally agree on something!

That's all it is BT, someone has to step up, no barriers exist... NONE! Quite simply grow a pair, get in the fight, and FIGHT it out. (oop's there I go, pissing Faye off again!)

OCKLAWAHA
middle aged, male, WASP

I think you almost have to be a testosterone jazzed, pain junkie to run for public office now.  Most women have too much sense.

I thought Sarah Palin is worth 1000 female politicians.
She alone can put US on top  of list.

P.S.
Sorry Hillary,got to work on your accent.

Bostech, I agree, she not only is worth 1,000 MS Rodham's, she is worth a few hundred Diane Boxers too! Besides being the hottest chick in politics, can't wait for a center fold spread!

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: Ocklawaha on December 23, 2009, 09:28:09 PM
Bostech, I agree, she not only is worth 1,000 MS Rodham's, she is worth a few hundred Diane Boxers too! Besides being the hottest chick in politics, can't wait for a center fold spread!

OCKLAWAHA

Nice legs, but not very Presidential.

She can use those legs to stop Al Qaida.

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2qkntqf.jpg)

Quote from: buckethead on December 24, 2009, 08:35:04 AM

Quote from: Ocklawaha on December 23, 2009, 09:28:09 PM
Bostech, I agree, she not only is worth 1,000 MS Rodham's, she is worth a few hundred Diane Boxers too! Besides being the hottest chick in politics, can't wait for a center fold spread!

OCKLAWAHA

Nice legs, but not very Presidential.

In 1980, with Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, we had an actor v clown. Our latest election no matter how it went, was even worse. At least she would give us something a bit pleasing to look at and disconnected from McPain, I'd like to at least hear her views on REAL issues.

OCKLAWAHA

My fear is that she was hand picked by the republican establishment. Being a registered republican, I feel no qualms in dismissing her as anything more than another sock puppet.


I like the thoery that states those who are being called an idiot by the far left are those who present a viable threat to their ideals.

It is possible, that in some cases, the person being called an idiot simply isn't very bright.




At least she would be an attractive sock puppet.

Well GOP needs to brighten up.

Quote from: Ocklawaha on December 21, 2009, 01:26:27 PM

YEP! As long as it's someone who knows the difference between sensible commuter rail and high speed rat trains.

That's all you really care about, huh?

QuoteMy fear is that she was hand picked by the republican establishment.

Far from it... her pick was an act of desperation from the McCain camp...

I'd like to know what it is that makes her so appealing as a candidate. She gives some shakey at best, Reaganesque soundbites about lower taxes, family, patriotism and the like, but I have yet to hear a single word of substance from her. Would I choose her over a devout Marxist? Sure.

Would I choose her over a candidate who rallies for the abolition of the IRS, against the Fed, and against the Military Industrial Complex as a tool of imperialism and globalism? nah. She has not presented herself as such, therefore she is not my candidate of choice.

The left Hates her, while FoxNews Republicans ar clamouring for more. I just don't get either side.

Quote from: stephendare on December 25, 2009, 10:39:05 AM
She carries the idiocracy vote. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/18/184652/680/948/603152

If her and Glen Beck team up, a new day will be upon us! 

President Comacho!

http://www.youtube.com/v/Gnve-2iyRgM

(Sigh)  OK, name calling is your specialty.  What policies do you oppose?  What proposals has she made that would be bad for the country? 

There is a serious lack of substance here, and it is in the arguments of those that oppose this woman.  She is certainly not a polished politician.  I find that to be a positive at this point.  I'll wait and see how she does over the next few elections. 

Politics is certainly a nasty business.  I'm not sure that women will be as interested in enduring mindless insults as much as men have.  The made up issues of "Palin's legs" or "Ms. Obama's arms" and of course the "bitch" label have shown that there is no lack of venom for women who aspire to political office.  This is a very depressing fact of life in our countries political discourse.  It won't change for women.

OK I want to get her into the oval office just to piss with Stephen now.

that's my goal
PALIN in 2010 baby!!  :D

Quote from: Reaper man on December 25, 2009, 02:00:43 AM

Quote from: Ocklawaha on December 21, 2009, 01:26:27 PM

YEP! As long as it's someone who knows the difference between sensible commuter rail and high speed rat trains.

That's all you really care about, huh?

Not all I care about! Hell no! There are also streetcars, light-rail transit, electric railway technologies, Amtrak, JaxPort Railroads, Talleyrand Terminal Railroads, Jacksonville Terminal Station, High Speed Rail, subways, EL's,  Skyway's, monorails, people movers, PRT, Schweeb's, trolleys, shuttle buses, trolley buses, jitneys, motor coaches, city buses, electric buses, hybrid buses, articulated buses, airships, blimps, zeppelins, airplanes, commuter airlines, regional airlines, rail freight carriers, air freight, waterways, ships, shipping, containers, TEU's... etc...

By being single focused on this as "MY ISSUE", I think I'm being more effective. Besides someone needs to play "comic relief," and since my "spiritual gift," is sarcasm it makes for a fun day.

Other concerns, oh yeah, you'll find me defending homeless, veterans, disabled people, call girls - hookers - prostitutes - Ho's - streetwalkers, Jacksonville, Downtown, port and airport development, anti-sprawl issues, etc...

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,7084.0.html

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: stephendare on December 26, 2009, 11:54:03 AM
Wouldnt prison sex be more fun sportsmotor?  

Could be, I don't mean to sound self absorbed but I know for a fact I wouldn't be raped  :D I'm not someone that could be taken advantage of that way  8)

Quote from: stephendare on December 26, 2009, 11:54:03 AM
Wouldn't prison sex be more fun sportsmotor?  Like I said, its not about Palin.  Its the horrible teabaggers that support her.  If I werent related by blood and marriage to so many of them, Id certainly live a life avoiding that crowd.

Back to the title of the thread, hell Stephen, I wouldn't mind a little "political" involvement with Palin, as in a complete study of her geography with emphasis on the Sierra Madres and Panama.

OCKLAWAHA
Geo Political Sucre-Sal

Quote from: Sportmotor on December 26, 2009, 11:57:59 AM

Quote from: stephendare on December 26, 2009, 11:54:03 AM
Wouldnt prison sex be more fun sportsmotor? 

Could be, I don't mean to sound self absorbed but I know for a fact I wouldn't be raped  :D I'm not someone that could be taken advantage of that way  8)

I dont know,you are getting raped by GOP and you are sure happy about it.

Please stay on topic or this will be locked.

actually I was saying no one could has the psychical prowless or hand to hand ability to do that to me
thank your tax dollars, and an ignorantly immense amount of time to learn things.



on back on topic..yea only real females that had a legit shot at Presidency thus far I can see where
Condy Rice
and
Hillary Clinton

then again and not to sound sexist but it takes a LOT of money and backing by big companies and players in politics to have a running shot at the presidency and most women even in politics are looked down upon more so then if they would be male because, they are female and public image of leaders are typically male.

Stephen, I'll take "Slackjawed, drooling, painfully stupid, red faced yellers," but I am in no way a "sign mispeller" !!!!    >:(

Quote from: mtraininjax on December 22, 2009, 12:41:26 AM
Abel - You have yet to cover basket weaving as a sport for the Olympics. Your involvement at the TU seems very planned by others. Your readers would like some new harder hitting topics than these softballs. Perhaps 2010 will bring you a set.

I guess I am perhaps a few weeks behind catching up on old posts, but I found the comment interesting.  I'm more than open to suggestions for topics that people would like to see covered in the business section.  I've covered job proposals for growing business, discussed a specific incentive offered, covered downtown housing and highlighted items I believe the city needs to focus on in 2010 just to name a few topics.

There are no others who plan my involvement.  To quote Ross Perot, "I'm all ears."

So, shoot me a line as you did the other day if you feel there are other business topics you would like discussed.

Thanks.