WE HAVE A WINNER! DG TRUSTEE LESLIE SADOWSKI-FUGITT
By Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt
As I reflect on my recent successful run for Downers Grove Commissioner, I have both positive and negative feelings. The obvious one is the thrill of being the top vote-getter as a newcomer. Anyone that knows me can see that I put enormous effort into my work and passions. I have always worked in a public service role and volunteering for my community seemed like a natural progression. It did, however, take time away from my family, and that was challenging. Work-life balance with a young child is already difficult, and adding another large commitment is a big decision. This is exactly why we need to continue ensuring women’s voices are prominent and at the table.
I am not just lucky–I chose a partner who respects my drive and never thinks twice about supporting me to pursue my dreams. But we still live in a society that expects women to be the caretakers, as was evidenced by a comment from a local reporter who told me, “It will be difficult to find the time as a working mom.” I wonder if I had a Y chromosome if that statement would have crossed his mind. I do not fault this gentleman, but rather the society in which we live that pays women less money and proclaims the reason is because we birth children, or choose different professions. I love data, and no, the data do not support this.
If nothing else, this experience has helped me to truly understand the role women and underrepresented groups must play in moving our country forward from a local level. My goal is to make connections with those in my community, ensure their voices are heard, and continue to make Downers Grove a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds.