By Brandy Bailey, Contributor ElectWomen Magazine

Christine Doody Doherty was elected to the Eastchester New York Town Council last November.  This might seem unremarkable except for the fact that the same party had ruled the town board since 1997.  Prior to her election the town board was composed of five Republicans (4 council seats and 1 supervisor) and three of the four council seats had been appointed by the current administration rather than elected by the people.  Another fact making Christine’s victory so surprising is that the town overwhelmingly voted for John McCain in the presidential election.

Perhaps what set Doherty apart is that she ran a positive campaign that focused on her bi-partisan perspective to town government, broadening representation, giving a voice to all residents, and strengthening democracy with competitive elections.

Since taking office she has followed through on these campaign promises.  She has made improvements in how residents receive information about upcoming board meetings as well as board vacancies in order to promote more citizen participation in government.  She has also sponsored a proposal to establish an Environmental Advisory Committee to promote environmental education and awareness for the town and its residents, to study the environmental impact of ongoing town government practices, and to consider how to develop more environmentally responsible practices by the residents and businesses of Eastchester.

Doherty’s election was in a way history repeating itself.  Her father, Jim Doody, was a former town supervisor of Eastchester.  When he was elected in 1983 he was the first Democrat to be elected in Eastchester in 70 years.  The day he moved into his office he discovered that the previous administration had left him one pencil and empty file cabinets.  This experience made a lasting impression on Christine and taught her that a public servant shouldn’t be concerned with politics or power, but rather genuine concern for all people.

Considered part of the New York Metropolitan area, Eastchester New York is located just up state of New York City in Westchester County with a population of over 31,000.

Although she was just elected this past November, Doherty has already started campaigning for re-election this coming November.  When asked what she considered to be an important campaign issue Doherty noted, “We could do better on giving information to our residents—for example posting information on vacancies on various boards on our website.”  She went on to say, “When the public is engaged and informed, our government is more effective.  When you reach out to voters, you find out what’s important to them, and when people understand their government, democracy is strengthened.”