52.62% of the total population of Knoxville, TN is female, as of the 2000 census.  You wouldn't necessarily know that by the faces of the people currently in office, at the local and state levels.   But this year that may change.  Women of Knoxville, TN and particularly progressive women in Knoxville, TN, could very well start being represented by officials that share more than just their concerns, a woman's point of view. 

Which leads me to the Meet the Candidates at the TN Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and sponsored by The Women's Counsel, today.  What is so important about a "press-the-flesh" afternoon, you ask?  As put forth in the email forwarded and distributed by dfet (Democracy for East Tennessee), Knoxville has 11 women running for office, 7 of which are first-time runners.  Today's Meet the Candidate was specifically set up to meet the 7. 

Out of these 7 women, I had already met one, Shree Pettigrew, whom I have talked about before on this blog.  Also, out of these 7 women, I personally can vote for two.  Damn!  Why couldn't we find someone to run against Ivan "God Resolution" Harmon?

Nevertheless, I was able to catch up with Shree, as well as meet Ursula Bailey, who is running for General Sessions Judge, Division IV.  These are the two progressive women I will be able to vote for, as well as possibly deliver additional votes from my family household.  Good news for Shree, since I will have 5 eligible voters by election time.  unfortunately for Ursuala, she'll have to settle for three from this household.  Actually, when I met Ursula today, I took an instant like to her.  My initial impression is that she is an intelligent, caring woman.  I think she will do extremely well as a judge, not to mention she  is highly qualified.

Now, for the other women, which I strong encourage Knoxvillians to get to know, if they haven't already.
County Commission, District 2, Seat B - Amy Broyles
County Commission, District 4, Seat A - Joan Wagner
County Commission, District 4, Seat B - Elaine Davis
County Commission, District 6, Seat B - Margaret Massey-Cox
County Commission, District 7, Seat A - Faith Tapp

*Note: I looked for websites for Margaret and Faith but didn't find any.  If you know they have a website, please pass on the url, so that I can include them.

I must say that the possibility of being represented by a progressive woman is an exciting thought for me, particularly at a time and in an area where politics as usual, otherwise known as the "good 'ole boys network," has marginalized so many voices and people.  This years local elections are proof that the times, they are a changin'.  And if all these women get elected, the times will be changing for the better.