Women are agents of social change. From historic crusades against child labor exploitation, fair wages for women, voting rights and women’s health to the establishment of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Newtown Action Alliance, women make significant impacts on economic, political and societal issues.
Connecticut women in public life and government have made history. Ella Grasso, Democrat, was the first woman elected as the Governor of CT and the first women elected in the US as a Governor in her own right. Born to Italian immigrants, she served in the State Legislature, as Secretary of State and in Congress, before being elected as CT’s Governor in 1975 (2 terms). Her decisive handling of the then-epic storm of 1978 is indicative of her leadership.Known as “The Blizzard of 78” this storm dropped around 30 inches of snow across the state, crippling highways and making virtually all roads impassible. She boldly “Closed the State” by proclamation, and forbade all use of public roads by citizens and closed all businesses, effectively cloistering all citizens in their homes. This relieved the rescue and cleanup authorities from the need to help the mounting number of stuck cars, and instead allowed clean-up and emergency services for shut-ins to proceed. Today we take for granted these executive actions to protect residents and critical workers during epic natural events, all due to Ella Grasso.
Presently three Democratic women hold statewide constitutional office, LT. Governor Nancy Wyman, Treasurer Denise Nappier and Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill. All three have championed transparency and increased access to government services, while leveraging the scope of their offices to the betterment of citizens. Recent evidence was provided by Treasurer Denise Nappier who announced the filing of a shareholder resolution with Alliant Techsystems, Inc. that calls for the company to report on actions it has taken with respect to the Sandy Hook Principles, a set of measures aimed at curbing gun violence. The Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (“CRPTF”) joined with New York State Common Retirement Fund in filing the resolution.
“As a shareholder of Alliant, I call on the company to acknowledge and address the public safety issues arising from the misuse of guns and ammunition, and thereby lessen potential risk to investor value,” Treasurer Nappier said.
Alliant Techsystems, through its Sporting Group division, manufactures and sells firearms and accessories for hunting, shooting and outdoor markets as well as sporting, law enforcement and military ammunition. The company has yet to respond to a September 2013 request from Treasurer Nappier to discuss the Sandy Hook Principles, leading to the filing of the shareholder resolution. It’s important to citizens to know where they stand.
Regardless of Party or politics, leaders that hold others accountable, forge beneficial partnerships and improve the current and future life of CT’s citizens are admirable. It’s time to remember that when women lead, they are strong contributors to the government, business, and society. We are lucky to have them.Supplied by the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee.