How Erie's Women The Future PAC Became a Sign of the Times
Former Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper discusses importance of women in government
Weeks before Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee, signs were already popping up on Erie lawns with two distinct but pointed messages, reading: "When Women Vote, Women Win" and "Grab Your Future by the Ballot."
The signs are the creative brainchild of Women The Future, a political action committee (PAC) in Erie organized to support women running for elected office at all levels of government. So far, nearly 500 signs have been distributed, with more being printed to meet demand in the lead-up to the Rally for Women's Rights in Erie on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. at the Bayfront Convention Center.
The Erie Reader sat down with Kathy Dahlkemper, a founding member of the PAC, to learn more about how Women the Future came to be, what impact the members hope to make in the Nov. 5 election and where the PAC will direct resources in 2025 and beyond.
Liz Allen (LA): The June 24, 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade, has energized women across the country to fight back politically to restore reproductive rights. What role did the Supreme Court decision have in creating Women the Future?
Kathy Dahlkemper (KD): Women The Future, more affectionately called WTF, was born out of the outrage many women felt after the overturning of Roe. We were frustrated and wanted to do something. The conversation kept circling back to getting more women elected to office at all levels. We felt that most men just didn't get it, and beyond Roe, there were so many issues where we believed our voices were not being heard. We coalesced around creating a PAC (Political Action Committee) as an effort to change the dynamic.
LA: Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned, you were encouraging women to run for local office. Why is it critical for women's voices to be heard on issues that affect our region?
KD: I have a strong belief that when more women are at the table where decisions are being made, when the number of women in office is closer to men in office, our communities will all be better off, much better represented. Women bring a different perspective to the discussion, a perspective that is essential. I've personally found women to be more open to listening and willing to consider other points of view, to compromise. If only men are at the table, if there is no diversity of race or gender, of age and socio-economic background, then we are not really representing our community. This goes for all levels of government, including local, as so many issues that affect our daily lives are decided at the local level. In many ways local government and school board decisions impact your family more directly than those made on the national level.
LA: Can you share some examples on how having women at the decision-makers' tables has made a difference for Erie?
KD: Erie was ahead of its time in the 1980s when Mayor Joyce Savocchio and County Executive Judy Lynch were leading our community and they collaborated and got things done. The voters appreciated their hard work and lack of drama by re-electing them multiple times. As a U.S. Congresswoman and as county executive I saw how women could more readily think of the greater good as they make decisions. The Blasco Public Library was built during the Judy Lynch era and soon became the catalyst for bayfront development. Mayor Savocchio is touted for fearlessly tackling city budget deficits and is heralded for leading the charge to invest $180 million in the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant, actions that directly led to achieving the goal of making Presque Isle Bay clean enough for swimming after decades of pollution. I authored the amendment to the Affordable Care Act which allows young people to remain on their parent's health insurance until 26 years of age — a law that has saved thousands of young people's lives and kept many more from going bankrupt.
LA: What issues are top of mind right now for Erie women, whether they live in the city, the suburbs, or a rural area?
KD: We conducted a survey among our members and the top issue was a women's right to choose. There is a fear of the slippery slope when you start to lose rights, particularly about personal issues. Gun control was the second most concerning issue. The ongoing mass shootings at schools and public events is very top of mind for mothers, grandmothers, and all women everywhere.
LA: When you brought women elected officials together previously for monthly lunches, you stressed the need for women to work together across the aisle. Is that a guiding principle for the PAC?
KD: Absolutely. The divisiveness in our politics today makes it hard to govern, to do the best for all our citizens. When you are elected to office, you are there to serve all the people, not just a particular party. Working across the aisle should not be a dirty word. Compromise is essential and studies have shown women are better at finding that middle ground.
LA: Other organizations have sprung up in recent years to support women running for public office. Does WTF coordinate with those groups, such as She Should Run?
KD: Yes, we're not here to duplicate the work of others. We want to encourage women to run for office and then connect them with the resources they need, whether it is training and education, mentoring or financial advice.
LA: How does WTF work to reduce the challenges or barriers that women candidates face?
KD: Our members are very engaged, they don't just write checks. They want to help break down those barriers through mentoring and volunteering, by making connections. We invite women to run, we encourage women to volunteer in campaigns, we mentor those who do decide to run and we support them financially. Our membership is made up of a diverse group of women from elected officials, past and present, to business owners and educators, young and retired, concerned women in our community who want to help bring more equity to our elected offices.
LA: One of your yard signs plays off Donald Trump's crude quote from his Access Hollywood tape, without mentioning his name or his political party. The message on the other sign is non-partisan. Both signs were printed before Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. Can you take credit for being prescient about how the 2024 presidential race would change?
KD: Ha! No, but we felt that the messages were clear, that you have to take charge of your future by voting and that when women vote, we win — meaning our issues win. I do believe that women and young voters will decide this election and the energy and enthusiasm that Vice President Harris has generated is motivating young voters and women alike. But I will say our sign stash was quickly depleted after Harris became the presumptive nominee. Timing is everything in politics!
LA: Your PAC is a major sponsor of the upcoming Women's Rights Rally. Will this rally replicate the success of the Erie Women's March on Jan. 21, 2017?
KD: Our hope is that the rally will remind women of the importance and impact of this election and what it means for women and our children's future. We believe it will also serve as a get out the vote effort for anyone who might still be on the fence as to whether their vote is important. Momentum is growing for the rally and I do believe it will be a huge success.
LA: What is the best way for Erie people to get involved in Women the Future?
KD: We welcome women to learn more about us at womenthefuturepac.com and we love new members! We want women to not only think about the 2024 election, but consider running for office locally in 2025 or joining us in supporting those women who do decide to put their name on the ballot. The more members we have, the more women we can reach and the more women we believe will run and be elected. Because when Women Run, Women Win!
Liz Allen put a "When Women Vote, Women Win" sign in her yard and neighbors quickly clamored to get their own signs, too.
The Erie Women's March will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. For more information visit: eriewomensmarch.com
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