Letter to the Editor: Glad for first woman Mayor of Grant—A sign of progress

Having family in Grant and vicinity and having over half the relatives being female, I read with happiness the Grant Tribune article: “Schmitt to be sworn-in as first woman mayor of Grant”.  

This is a significant milestone. I applaud it because of QUALIFICATIONS, not because of GENDER.  I think that elected and appointive political offices should be based on merit and not due to the arbitrary fact that a person was born with their sex being “male” or “female.” It’s merit and qualifications which count. 

My congratulations to Lisa Schmitt and I wish her and her administration a productive tenure. It is a good sign of progress for the 21st Century. It’s a clear indication that candidates from both sexes are up to the job.

Sincerely, 

James A. Marples

Longview, Texas