Madam Council: All-female city council is first in Auburn history

Sandy Amara, Kelley Davis, Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Bridget Powers and Rachel Radell-Harris have forever etched their names into the annals of Auburn history by comprising the first all-woman Auburn City Council. It became official when Powers took the oath of office on Aug. 24 to fill the council seat of Mike Holmes, who resigned two days before passing away on June 27. "I'm very proud to serve on Auburn's first all-women city council," Mayor Davis said in an email to the Auburn Journal. "While the five of us get to celebrate this great moment, the recognition is really due to the women who came before us and helped change what local leadership looks like. I hope it shows all young people that these seats are open to them, and that Auburn supports strong leaders for their skills, experience and ability to lead our city." Including City Clerk Amy Lind, the dais is entirely female. Referring to each other as "madam" and "council member," Auburn's first all-female city council has spent the last two months weighing issues that have the town's attention, notably whether Auburn should keep Flock cameras (Automated License Plate Readers) in place and weighing the installation of two bike lanes on a street soccer parents count on for parking at Railhead Park. The quintet is professional, courteous, thorough and all business as they dig deep to try and figure out what is indeed best for the people they represent. Auburn Police Chief Bryan Morrison gave an update on Flock cameras and Public Works Director Mengil Deane did the same on the bike lane project at the most recent council meeting Oct. 12, and each answered several questions from all five council members. The council also listened to and made eye contact with the many people who shared thoughts and opinions during public comment on the two projects. "A true local history buff, it is very cool to be a part of Auburn's history as a member of the city's first all-female council," Dowdin Calvillo told the Auburn Journal. "Auburn has benefited from several outstanding and notable women mayors and council members over the years – and since the early 2000s, there have been several terms where women were the majority, but this is the first time that women sit in every council seat." "Seating Auburn's first all-female city council is an historic milestone that marks a proud new chapter in our city's long history," said Powers, who served three terms as mayor over 13 years on the council before stepping away years ago. "It speaks volumes about the deep bench of dedicated women leaders who love this community and are stepping up to guide its future. Having called Auburn home for over 30 years and served as mayor three times, watching this barrier break is deeply inspiring." While the council members respectfully disagree on some issues, they unanimously approve of this all-female council serving as an inspiration and motivation for girls and young women in Auburn. "I feel incredibly fortunate to serve alongside such a dedicated and inspiring group of women who care deeply about our community," Radell-Harris shared. "My hope is that when young girls, including my own daughters, see us serving together, they can picture themselves in our shoes someday. If we can inspire even one young person to believe in themselves, find their voice and step up to make a difference, that would mean so much to me." Having only been in place since Powers was sworn in Aug. 24, this history-making council could change soon. Newcomers Erik Robb and Stephanie McKenzie are among four candidates vying for three seats on the at-large Auburn council in the November election, along with incumbents Davis and Powers. Amara isn't seeking reelection. "As I come to the end of my time on the council and look around the table at an all-woman council, I cannot help but appreciate the significance of this moment," Amara says. "It is a remarkable change from the world I knew as a little girl growing up here. And it reminds me how far we have come – and how important it is that we continue to make room for women at every level of leadership."