Bakersfield Life

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Women in Politics
At a time when we all have politics on our mind, Bakersfield Life brought four of our local political leaders together On The Red Couch. These ladies give insight on everything from women’s roles in politics to where their profession is off limits.
 

What made you decide to become involved in politics?

Assemblymember Parra - It sounds cliché, but I really thought I could make a difference and improve the lives of my neighbors, family and friends.  And to this day, after almost six years as a state legislator, I think I have been able to accomplish many things to this end.  But there is still much work to be done and I look forward to continuing my record of public service.

Candi Easter - I have always been interested in politics.  As a little girl, I would stay up all night to watch the national conventions.  They were always so exciting, even on black and white TV.  In the early 90s, I went to a political rally in opposition to the deregulation of the electrical industry in California.  There, I met Willie Brown and I was blown away with his ability to motivate people and handle difficult situations.  That was the day I decided to get involved in politics and I haven’t stopped since.

Assemblymember Fuller - I wanted to serve my community at the state level.  At this point in my career, I felt I had acquired valuable experience that could contribute to forming good, effective policy.  I felt it was important to share my views with state representatives and to make sure the people of the 32nd Assembly District had a strong voice in Sacramento.

Susan Moxley - As a family, we have always had an interest in politics.  With our 25-plus years of involvement in our community, entering into the political arena was just natural.  We enjoy working for our party and trying to do our part to make a small difference.  We have spent years working at the local level, at the state level and engaging nationally in Washington, D. C. politics and processes.  I guess we just love it.

Describe women’s role in politics.

Assemblymember Parra - In a general sense, women have the same role as men in politics. We are here to represent the concerns of our constituents and offer the vision and dedication to chart a better course for our districts and the state. But in a more specific sense, women also bring something to the table that often seems lacking in politics: balance.  Women are used to balancing the demands of family, friends, work and the community. To us, health care is not an abstract
concept or an excessive bill. It is how we take care of our kids and our families. The budget is not just a series of line items with large numbers. It is how we pay our groceries, buy clothes and school supplies.

Candi Easter - Women are the heart of politics. They make the phone calls, walk the precincts, staff the office, form the clubs, plan the fundraisers and make the best candidates. Women have traditionally been in charge of the family and so they come to the table with issues like family values, education, clean environment and health care. When I say, “Women are the heart of politics,” I mean it in every sense of the word. They are the engine that drives the campaign and they bring compassion and soul to the mix. Because of their traditional roles, women have changed the political landscape. The men knew that would
happen – that is why they didn’t let us vote for so long. They are in trouble now!

Assemblymember Fuller - The role for women is the same as for men – making decisions on the allocation of scarce resources. Some perspectives vary between male and female, according to the specific topics.

Susan Moxley - We have beliefs and principles we care deeply about.  We are aggressive in regards to expressing our beliefs.  We are willing to work diligently to move our issues forward.  We engage the process, we work hard and we believe participation in politics is a part of our civic duty.

What places or situations in your life are talking politics “off limits?”

Assemblymember Parra - Being a public servant for most of the past two decades, I have learned to live a much more public life than my friends in the private sector.  I have been very open with constituents, colleagues and the media about personal and professional issues and concerns of mine. I believe my openness has allowed me to relate much more effectively with the wonderful people in the Central Valley.

Candi Easter - I have a group of old friends that get together about once a week for a happy hour or a BBQ. They are like an oasis from politics. They know that I just want to relax and we try to steer clear of political discussions. If a controversial subject comes up, I bite my tongue.

Assemblymember Fuller - When I get the chance to spend quiet time at home with my husband, talking politics is strictly off limits!

Susan Moxley - I have out-of-town relatives who are all die-hard Democrats. We have an unspoken rule not to discuss politics at our family gatherings.  At times, my husband has difficulty holding to the “unspoken” rule.  Although politics is a large part of our life, we do attempt to keep a proper balance.

How do you deal with differing opinions from those you serve?

Assemblymember Parra - Early on in my life, I walked door-to-door to get people registered to vote in Kern County. As a kid, I got involved and worked to give the people of Kern County a greater voice in local, state and federal issues. I remember working on my father’s supervisorial race in Kern County. We did a big “Get Out the Vote” effort and it really opened my eyes to the power of the people, and how reaching out to every resident can truly make a difference.

Candi Easter - That is an interesting question. Democrats don’t all march in line like the Republicans do, so we often have differing opinions. As a leader, I try to always do what is best for the party and hope I make wise decisions. Most folks are supportive and appreciative of my leadership, but when I am criticized, I try to see how I can do a better job the next time. Sometimes, it is just a matter of getting them more involved in the process so they can understand the situation.

Assemblymember Fuller - I always try to first listen and understand each person’s point of view. I respect the opinions of others, but may challenge them in a persuasive manner in order to try to see the bigger picture and to understand all the underlying causes.

Susan Moxley - As president of the Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated, our political principles are very cohesive.  We are mutually agreed on core beliefs and there is little room for areas of major disagreement.  As a team we work very well together.

What advice would you offer to other women looking to become involved in politics?

Assemblymember Parra - It is always an honor when I meet a young girl and she tells me that she wants to become a public servant and one day run for office. My advice is to stay focused, work hard and set the bar high. If you are ready to put in the time and effort, public service is a rewarding occupation. But never lose sight of the things that are most important to you – your family, your friends and your principles.

Candi Easter - Find something you want to do and dig in! Find a candidate you love or an issue you are passionate about. Very few people working on a campaign are paid, so volunteers have to like their job or they won’t show up. There is nothing like the feeling of being a part of a winning campaign and the friends you make will become a priceless reward.

Assemblymember Fuller - Learn the following skills: impromptu speaking, raising money and speed reading. Campaigning for state office is incredibly expensive – more than I ever imagined. With all the information that an Assemblymember must know and understand, one must be able to read, write, speak and absorb quickly.

Susan Moxley - To start at the local level, engage in the things that are of interest to you and volunteer or enter the political process yourself.  To make a difference or to create impact you must be someone who