Barbara Blanchard to Address Women’s Involvement in Local Politics

Do you know?...

· When did women become active in Ithaca/Tompkins County politics?
· What was it like to be the first women on a major city board?
· How do women currently shape the political process?

Women have made historic political strides this election year, and women’s success on the national stage raises a range of questions regarding the role of women in local politics. Join us at The History Center, as local politician Barbara Blanchard addresses these and other questions.

Thursday, October 23, 2008
7- 8:30pm
At The History Center in Tompkins County

401 East State Street, Suite 100, Ithaca

Barbara Blanchard began her public career in 1966 as Executive Director of the Ithaca Housing Authority where she planned and financed 300 units of low rent public housing for the elderly and disadvantaged families. In the mid-1970’s, Blanchard was appointed to the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works – the first woman ever to hold that position. In addition, she served on the Tompkins County Legislature from 1994-2006 representing the First Ward in the City of Ithaca and a portion of the Town of Ithaca. Prior to County service, she was a member of the City of Ithaca’s Common Council.

The event is free and open to the public.
For more information call (607) 273-8284