Member of Tennessee BPW/USA
Women for McLeary
Tue, 05 Sept, 2006
August 26, 2006, marked the 86th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving U.S. women the right to vote. “Women play a vital role in business, government and the professional workplace, in addition to the vital roles they play within their families and communities. I’m honored today to announce the formation of ‘Women for McLeary,’” I’ve learned from my mother, wife and others in my family that women have keen instincts and tremendous talents and gifts to share. I’m grateful that such a wonderful group is supporting our campaign.” said Senator Don McLeary R-Jackson.
“This group of supporters from across the 27th Tennessee Senatorial District knows first-hand the issues that are most important to women, both in the workplace and in regard to their families. I will look to them for their trusted input and suggestions,” McLeary added. They plan to go from neighborhood to neighborhood, from workplace to workplace, from kitchen table to kitchen table, from the homeroom to the boardroom in support of Senator McLeary.
Tennessee was a pivotal state in giving women the right to vote and was the last of the thirty-six states needed to ratify the 19th Amendment. In 1920, Tennessee Republican Representative Harry Thomas Burn cast the deciding vote in the Tennessee legislature, thus ratifying the Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. History has noted that a letter from his mother advised Rep. Burn of McMinn County to vote in support of the measure. "When Harry Burn cast his vote, he said 'I always take my mother's advice’,” quoted McLeary. “Every boy would do well to listen to his mother,” he added.
Women for McLeary consists of members from Madison, Carroll, and Gibson Counties including: Thelma Ross, Gay Gregson, Sherry Blackford, Barbara Miller, Libby Murphy, Ann Bailey, Sheryl Putnam, Judy Bowers, Doris Arnold, Joanne Goldstein, Syble Culbreath, Dawn Duke, Kathy Hull and Kathy Sacks. Dawn, Kathy and Kathy are all members of McKenzie Business and Professional Women. “It’s important to have elected officials who are accessible and who take the time to listen. I have worked with Senator McLeary, both as a small business owner, and as a mother, regarding specific issues and I can tell you first-hand that Don McLeary cares about people and he follows through,” said Gay Gregson. “It’s so refreshing to work with someone who wants to do what’s right and who is open-minded,” added Sheryl Putnam.
McLeary, who is a member of McKenzie BPW, is the father of three, including two daughters. His daughter, Stacy Stidham, a teacher at Lane Magnet School in Jackson, shared a note her dad had written to her on Graduation Day and his advice he gives to all young women. “Always try to do the right thing in life whatever path you take. Get an education, maintain a civic awareness, pass along to your families and friends the love and encouragement others shared with you to follow your dreams. Know that you are unique and have special gifts and talents and never let anyone convince you otherwise. Be proactive regarding legislative issues that will affect your life. Other countries don’t have the rights and freedoms we have in America, so take advantage of the right to vote, whatever your conviction.”
