Much of the recent political discourse has concerned women- women undeniably played a significant role in last Tuesday's election. As an electorate, women have been politically active for decades with the women's turnout rate exceeding men's in every presidential election since 1980 and in every midterm election since 1986 (See Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University). While women have historically run for public office much less frequently than men, the 2018 election has been described as historic given the record number of women who ran for federal, state and local political office.

 

The Central New York Women's Bar Association, a chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, proudly counts among its members several women who have achieved governmental, judicial and leadership positions. By happenstance, CNYWBA hosted a reception on the eve of the election to honor Second Circuit Judge Rosemary Pooler. Judge Pooler provided timely remarks about her own political experience, which includes historic firsts such as being the first woman elected to the New York State Supreme Court, Fifth Judicial District and the first woman to serve as a federal district court judge in the Northern District of New York.

 

CNYWBA celebrates its members' participation in this year's historic election and congratulates those members who were elected to public office, including the Honorable Donald Greenwood, Ann Magnarelli, Esq., the Honorable James Murphy and Gerald Neri, Esq. CNYWBA also extends its congratulations to members of other WBASNY chapters who were elected to public office last week, including WBASNY officer Lourdes Ventura, Esq. By seeking these elected positions, our members demonstrate their commitment to serving the legal profession, as well as the public and the justice system. We wish them well in these leadership positions.

 

Nicole Marlow-Jones, President, CNYWBA