In Historic First, Wakefield's Town Council Is Mostly Women

WAKEFIELD, MA — Tuesday's election meant a lot of things to a lot of people. But when the dust settled it was clear that despite all the consternation and controversy, a bit of history was made.

With Julie Smith-Galvin and Anne Danehy winning the two seats on Town Council, the town's executive body is majority-female for the first time. The victors join Ann Santos and Mehreen Butt to give the seven-person council a new look.

"I am excited to be part of Wakefield's first majority-female Town Council," Smith-Galvin said this week. "We have long had strong, involved women at all levels of Wakefield civic life, and it was only a matter of time for this to be reflected in the Town Council."

Time, indeed. The council — which just years ago still called even female councilors selectmen — now more accurately represents Wakefield, which has nearly 1,500 more women than men.

While Smith-Galvin and Danehy both needed to win secure the majority, it was the newcomer Danehy who in a way tipped the scales when the two beat out Brandon Flanagan.

"It is history in the making and it is moving the Town Council to being reflective of our population," Danehy said.

While all the female councilors understood the importance of the shift, they focused on the work to come.

"Yes, we will have a majority of women for the first time, which is historic and I've always believed that representation matters," Butt, the council's first woman of color, said. "I am really excited to work with Ann, Anne and Julie. In addition to getting to work with three strong and smart women, I get to work alongside the three men who are also dedicated and passionate leaders. I am truly excited about the work our Council will do collectively to rebuild after the pandemic."

Santos, who in her nearly 10 years on the council has at times been the only woman, said she doesn't view herself as a female town councilor, but rather simply a town councilor.

"I think that's a good thing if we're not worried about pushing to have women," she said. "I think it's awesome I have three female colleagues."

The women are excited to work with their three male colleagues, as well. One of them, Jonathan Chines, called this moment a "significant milestone."

"After a hundred years of suffrage, it’s about time," he said. "Representation matters in town government. We all view the world differently based on our life experiences, and that’s why it’s so important to have a Town Council that looks like the residents we serve."

It's not just the symbolism of having a majority-female council, but the practical impact on town business. Santos said it could help provide a fresh perspective, using diversifying appointments on local boards and committees as an example.

Still, the symbolism is nice.

"I am especially proud that little girls across town will see us and realize what is possible for them," Smith-Galvin said. "There is still work to do, however, including increasing the share and pay of women in local government jobs."

Danehy agreed.

"I will represent all residents in Wakefield equally, and gender is not going to rule my decision-making, but I do think that this will normalize the role of women in politics," she said. "I hope it will inspire girls who want to hold elected office to see that women serving is normal and not extraordinary."

Election coverage:

• Outspending Opponents Didn't Mean Victory
• Voters Showed Up For The Election Like They Rarely Do

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Wakefield Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.