International Women’s Day
March 8, 2017
 
Comments from Supervisor Linda Puglisi
 
            Today is an official international day, in our Country and in our community where we celebrate the women in our lives.
 
            I have had the honor of being the second woman Town Supervisor in the history (230 years) of Cortlandt (for 26 years).  The first was Muriel Morabito in the 1970’s for four years.
 
            Also, I was one of only five town councilwomen in our history.  I have had the pleasure of working with three of these terrific women (Rosemary Boyle-Lasher, Ann Lindau-Martin and Debbie Costello, currently on the Town Board.) The other was Betty Basil in the early 1980’s.
 
            I would say that in the future we do need more women to seek public office in Cortlandt and in all levels of government.  Women bring their perspective and frames of reference to these important positions that shape our lives on the local, state and federal levels.
 
            I also would like to pay tribute to my Mother, Martha (“Marty”) who was a college graduate when it was rare for a young woman to have a higher education degree.  She became an elementary school teacher and raised three daughters.  I remember my Mother being an equal partner with my Father, who was a teacher, as well and she influenced me significantly in my life. She passed away recently at the age of 91.
 
            I am very proud of my daughter Allison (“Ali”) who has worked very hard her entire life and is now a successful attorney in New York City and a wonderful mother to her two sons, my grandchildren.  Ali is also the twin sister to my son, Jeff, a doctor in Connecticut, who I am also very proud of.
 
            It has been an important part of my life and role as Town Supervisor to meet the wonderful women in our Cortlandt community who balance their own careers, with taking care of their families and being involved in many aspects of our Cortlandt community.
 
            I would like to add that we have excellent women employed in our Cortlandt government and I am very fortunate to have the women working in my office who assist our residents every day.
 
            I look forward to seeing what our young women in our community do and become in the future.  I know they along with their brothers will do great things for our community and Country.
 
~Linda Puglisi, Town Supervisor