Governor Encourages Women Leaders to "Run"
Governor Lingle emphasized her commitment to future generations of leaders at the "Ready to Run" conference, a bi-partisan program organized by the Commission on the Status of Women to encourage and train women to run for public office.
The Governor encouraged attendees to seek elected office and shared meaningful personal experiences, as well as ways in which they can make their voices heard.
"If you're going to run for office, you'd better have a good reason," Governor Lingle said, adding there is only one reason to run for office: to make life better for the people you represent.
"If there's something that you feel is not right for your community, you should do something to make it right. It's easier to make life better for others as an elected leader," she said.
The Governor also stressed the need for women leaders in all levels of government and urged women to consider running for political office, as they are well-suited to lead.
"Women like closure - they don't like to leave things open-ended," the Governor said, adding that women prefer to act on an issue, rather than leave it for another day. "In addition, in political or business situations, women are much more likely to challenge the status quo and ask questions.
"We need to have those questions posed. We need them in government, we need them in business, we need them in the faith-based community, and we need them in the nonprofits. People need to ask questions, and not just accept the way it is."
In closing, the Governor said, "There are many, many ways to contribute to society, but there are fewer places where you can have such a broad impact."
