Helene's Brave Stand

[ Excerpted from the SBN-P article by Joshua Molina, 1/12/2005 ]

... Spotlighting the deep divisions among county Democrats, a prominent feminist on the Santa Barbara City Council is under fire from party officials for breaking ranks and not supporting the only woman running for 2nd District supervisor.

Helene Schneider, 35, has been criticized publicly by current and former elected Democratic officials for her decision not to support Janet Wolf in a race with a crowded field that includes three men.

The councilwoman, considered by local Democrats to be one of the leaders of the new generation of women in power, is upset that her credentials as a feminist are being questioned.

"I believe strongly that women should hold elected office and be given opportunities to do so," Ms. Schneider said. "At the same time, just endorsing someone because she is a woman is not appropriate."

The backlash against Ms. Schneider, who says she will support Councilman Das Williams for the 2nd District seat, comes as party Democrats are splintered over whom to back in the county race that features three Democrats: Ms. Wolf, Mr. Williams and Joe Guzzardi.

Party officials fear that too many Democrats in the race would allow the only Republican, Dan Secord, to win the seat on the panel, already dominated by a conservative majority...

The problems for Ms. Schneider arose after she told Supervisor Susan Rose in a telephone conversation that she was backing Mr. Williams. Ms. Rose has been grooming Ms. Wolf behind the scenes for months to be her successor on the board.

Ms. Rose told the News-Press that she was upset that information from a private phone call was conveyed publicly...

Some critics say that because Ms. Schneider had help getting into office from other women in power, she should return the favor. Mr. Williams said Ms. Schneider has taken a brave stand and said he hopes the negativity directed toward her will end.

"I am honored that Helene would stand by me," he said. "Helene is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent and capable people I have ever worked with in government."

Ms. Schneider's decision may have long-term ramifications for her own political career. She may face Councilwoman Iya Falcone for mayor in three years...

Democratic officials are not united on all issues. On one side, there's a political clique with moderate Democrats led by Mrs. Capps, Ms. Rose, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Carbajal and Ms. Falcone, who are generally closely aligned. On the other side are further left-leaning liberals, among them Mr. Williams, Mayor Marty Blum, Hannah-Beth Jackson, Gail Marshall and Ms. Schneider.

Some women in power feel it is unfair to pressure Ms. Schneider.

"Oh, gimme a break," said Mrs. Blum. "Some men are better feminists than some women. You have to look at the stances that both have taken. Das is a strong feminist."

Ms. Jackson said "Helene is clearly a feminist," and she is showing that by being an independent thinker who speaks her mind.

"The Democratic process being what it is encourages difference of opinion," Ms. Jackson said. "The goal is to bring the most qualified people to the table. A good, healthy debate is appropriate."

Former county Supervisor Gail Marshall said Ms. Schneider is doing what a feminist should do -- think for herself. "I applaud her for doing that," Ms. Marshall said. Mr. Williams was her campaign manager when she beat back a recall attempt in 2001.

Sharon Hoshida, president of the Women's Political Committee, said these types of schisms are only likely to escalate. It's healthy for democracy, she said. The Women's Political Committee has endorsed Ms. Schneider; Ms. Wolf, a former school board member; and Mr. Williams in various elections.

"There are two ways to look at it," Ms. Hoshida said. "You can look at it as being very divisive or you can look at as being in a position of choosing among several progressive Democrats."

... Ms. Schneider backed Mr. Williams, she said, because he is a feminist and has a record of supporting social justice issues. She hopes her decision won't spark political retribution.

"I know I've done the right thing for me," said Ms. Schneider, who said she has great respect for Ms. Wolf. "I know I am not making a decision based on what other people think I should do. And I know the consequences."


Santa Barbara News-Press