Opinion: Candidate LaPlaca playing the "woman card" demeans contributions of women to Hinsdale village government

I am a 20-year Hinsdale resident and wholeheartedly support Tom Cauley for Village President. The opposing candidate suggests that women will not have a “seat at the table” in Hinsdale government unless she is elected. That suggestion is not only false, it diminishes the significant contributions of many women who are currently serving or previously served in Hinsdale government under Tom’s leadership.

Village President Tom Cauley has appointed women to key board and leadership positions. Tom appointed me as the first female chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2009, and I served for five years. Tom also appointed the first female chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission and re-appointed a female chair to the Board of Police & Fire Commissioners. Tom hired Hinsdale’s first woman Village Manager in 2013. Women comprise 100% of the Police & Fire Commission, nearly half of the Economic Development and Plan Commissions and are members of several other Village commissions.

Hinsdale has talented men and women who volunteer in our schools, churches, community organizations and Village government. Anyone interested in becoming involved in Hinsdale government can be assured that their application will be thoughtfully considered, based on their qualifications and interests and not on their gender. There is no need to play the woman card in this election. With Tom Cauley as Village President, we all have a seat at the table.

Please join me in voting for Tom Cauley for Village President on April 4th. Early voting starts March 20th.

Debra J. Braselton