This particular photo of seven of the nine Livingston County commissioners filing their paperwork for re-election as a team landed with me like, well, like the famous turkey drop from “WKRP in Cincinnati.”
I’m sure the photo was meant to show solidarity among the commissioners, or their excitement at running for new, four-year terms. No matter the intent, the thousand words the picture painted for me was that for the first time in Livingston County history, the county board had become a good old boys’ club, and the boys looked really, really happy about that.
Don’t think women in Livingston County haven’t noticed.
Since the Livingston County Board of Supervisors became the Board of Commissioners in 1970, there has ALWAYS been at least one woman among its members; that is, until 2023, when suddenly, like in an Agatha Christie novel — POOF! — there were none.
Now, I understand full well that elections have consequences; however, my theory is that political machinations over the last decade — including reapportionment after the 2020 census, which forced a primary between commissioners Brenda Plank (who lost) and Jay Gross (who won) — created an environment perfect to birth this all-male board.
There was some online buzzing last month among women hoping the board might appoint a female to fill the seat left open by the death of Frank Sample. Instead, the appointment went to Norris Hardeman of Pinckney. (You can read about Hardeman’s interview by clicking here.)
Just as there was buzz about the possibility of a woman being appointed to replace Sample, it’s starting to build again over filling Domas’ seat. (His district includes all of Deerfield and Tyrone townships, as well as Precincts 1 and 5 in Oceola Township.) The county hasn’t yet advertised for applications, and there’s a lot we don’t know: Will any women apply to fill the position? If women apply, will they meet the qualifications for consideration?
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Let’s for fun say that with this next appointment (just like the one the commissioners made earlier this month), several women make it through to the interview round. That would give commissioners the chance to do something bold and brilliant.
But would they take it?
When I talked with Domas about his retirement, I asked whether he thought the all-male board might appoint a woman to fill his seat. Domas said he knows some of the commissioners have been “talking with” potential applicants, but he didn’t know if any were women. He thinks there’s a chance a woman could get appointed.
“There are a lot of women who could fill that position and do it well,” Domas said. “We’ve had a number of women on the board and some have been outstanding commissioners.”
No matter who the commissioners choose to fill Domas’ seat, the fact is that the Livingston County Board of Commissioners will remain safely under conservative male control, which means they’d have absolutely nothing to lose by appointing a woman, even if she were one of those annoying “Dumocrats.”
Just think: the county board could actually step outside its partisan box and acknowledge the fact that half of Livingston County’s residents are women.
Is it possible?
Sure.
Is it probable?
I think there’s a better chance of the commissioners passing a resolution declaring me “Queen of Livingston County” than there is of them appointing a female to the board.
But there’s always the election of 2028.
I make a motion to nominate Maria Stuart as Queen of Livingston County! Is there a second, Jay Gross?
I have often said we should put women TOTALLY in charge of our local, state and federal governmental bodies. There would be more cooperation, collaboration, peaceful concessions and greater concentration in critical public services. (The four “Cs”)
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/giwl/research/women-political-leaders-the-impact-of-gender-on-democracy
Whomever this person is…they must be careful not to offend these fragile egos and answer a litany of stupid interview questions.
It is past time for a woman to be elected. A woman with inclusive ideals would be even better !
Fascinating. Like all good LEFTIST, white, suburban women, Maria Stuart once again proves that the most important factor to consider in ANY political matter is identity politics. Who knew that genitalia is a qualifier for good governance?
And some wonder why there is an actual movement to repeal the 19th amendment. Not that I’m for it, because it would hurt the biggest group of true liberty fighters, conservative women. But based on opinions in Maria’s piece, I can at least understand it.
Hopefully, Livingston can begin moving beyond the “old order” with this vacant position and, especially in 2028, when there will be an opportunity for fresh leadership. There are plenty of capable candidates who can help move the county forward – leaders who will represent the entire community more effectively and equitably, listen to differing perspectives, and govern collaboratively rather than relying on an authoritarian approach.
-RB, Marion Township