Does a “good old boy” culture in Springfield and Sangamon County create barriers to advancement for women in government? Or is something else at play?

Many may say women have only themselves to blame if they do not run for elected office. Others suggest the lack of women candidates is a symptom of an entrenched local culture of power and privilege that by design maintains power for a select few. For city employment, some may argue that the highest paid positions in city government are in fields once considered only suitable for men, therefore, the low representation of women in top-level employment is a normal byproduct of an old system still in transition. Others will note that women broke through these traditional employment barriers long ago and what we really see in these numbers is active gender discrimination and old-style patronage practices that continue to favor men.

What seems clear is that we in Sangamon County and Springfield do not appear to be electing, employing or appointing women to the extent one would expect as we enter the second decade of the 21st century. This does not bode well for our future. Will our daughters bring their college degrees back to Springfield only to fight for limited opportunities? Will our single mothers be able to provide security for their families? Will our employed and retired women be fulfilled if they feel they are locked out of meaningful leadership positions?

Do enough people care enough to do their part to level the playing field?

Sheila Stocks-Smith, a candidate for mayor in the April election, is a special projects consultant.