Profile of a Washington DC Local Politician: Brianne Nadeau
November, 2009
Can you describe some of your duties as Commissioner? What exactly does the office entail?
BN: As an ANC Commissioner I serve as a liaison between my constituents and the DC government. People call me for assistance with any and all government services, public safety concerns, etc. I also sit on a Commission that meets monthly to vote on issues affecting the community such as liquor licenses, special events, zoning, historic preservation and more. I chair that Commission.
Have you faced any challenges either because you were so young when you entered politics, or because you are a woman?
BN: When I first ran I received some opposition for being a renter, rather than a property owner. One supporter of my opponent told everyone I was a Carpetbagger. I have not experienced additional obstacles being a woman in this particular role. When I decided to run for Chairperson of the commission one opponent (who obviously was new to the commission and didn't realize all the offices I had held prior) told everyone that I had no leadership experience. She is significantly older than me, and I'm sure that was her point.
Do you think you have the potential to bring a new perspective to politics, because you are so young?
BN: I think the major advantage to being young is that you've got time on your side. Getting into politics early allows a person to ascend through the ranks and take on leadership roles. Often times leadership roles in politics are determined by seniority, and this is where women are behind -- waiting until after they raise a family, etc. Do I bring a new perspective? Sometimes, but not necessarily. Do I bring a lot of energy and determination with a lot of opportunity ahead of me? Absolutely.
What advice would you give to young people looking to pursue careers in politics?
BN: Get involved in your community now. Learn as much as you can by keeping your mouth shut and listening to all the people in the room. Then you'll know who the key players are, what the key issues are, and what you have to contribute.
You seem pretty tough; what are some ways other young women looking to run for office can learn to develop a resistance to political attacks or mudslinging?
BN: 1. Always remember why you got into politics (to help people? to work on a particular issue?). That will help you stay focused on your objective, rather than other peoples' opinions of you. Once someone starts making it personal it usually means she can't win the argument on the merits of her position. 2. Remember that EVERYONE has an agenda. If yours doesn't match up, and your opponents or colleagues feel as though your agenda threatens theirs, they're going to react to that. If you find people you can partner with on similar agendas, do that. Move on from people who feel it's a competition or that there's only one approach to achieving your goals. 3. Remember that it's not personal. That's hard, because we often get into this work for personal reasons; we give up our free time to serve; and we are passionate about what we do. Once you can step back from any situation and understand that most of the negative stuff is not about YOU, it's easier to deal with.
Has it ever been hard to refrain from partaking in dirty politics, yourself?
BN: No. But it's easy to see how people get involved in dirty politics. It's an environment where right and wrong take on shades of grey and become blurry. I have a role model I think of whenever I'm in a tough spot. I think to myself: what would ___ do?
Home - Book Reviews - Interviews - Links - About Barbara