Women in our nation are rediscovering their value and strength and moving to the forefront of working to solve a myriad of problems, which means more and more women are seeking office in their municipalities and in state and national government.

That begs the question, why are so few women represented in the top elected government positions in Vicksburg and Warren County?

Our county circuit clerk is Jan Hyland Daigre; chancery clerk is Donna Hardy and tax collector is Antonia Flaggs-Jones. And all five of our county election commissioners are women.

But when was the last time a woman served in a county supervisor position? Or when was the last time a woman served on the city’s board of mayor and aldermen?

We have a plethora of capable, qualified women who no doubt would move us forward in many ways here, if they would be willing to run for municipal, county or state office.

A number of names of smart, savvy women come quickly to mind.

Kelle Barfield, a long-time Entergy executive and owner of Lorelei Books, would be a great candidate. Kelle’s business acumen, knowledge of the workings of public utilities and state and national government, would make her an excellent choice for, say, a county supervisor position.

Jane Lauderdale Flowers, former Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce executive director and long-time educator, is another strong woman in a position of leadership here who would do a great job in elected office.

Port Commissioner Margaret Gilmer, or her daughter, Mary Jane Wooten, a real estate broker, developer and entrepreneur who has been integral to the renaissance of downtown Vicksburg, would each make formidable candidates for office.

Lynn Foley, former Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce president who is director of sales and marketing for Southern Hospitality Services, is another who would make an excellent candidate for office.

The list could go on and on naming bright, enthusiastic female leaders here.

I’m sure these women are choking on their coffee right now because they didn’t know I was going to call them out publicly. I’ve thrown their names out without talking with any of them or knowing if any has the slightest interest in running for office here. In fact, each is a community leader in her own right already.

The point is our area is blessed to have many bright, strong, energetic women who are movers and shakers behind the scenes, who I hope will consider moving forward and running for elected office — and I’m talking about county supervisor or city government positions.

Our next election for county supervisors is in 2019. The primary election for Republicans and Democrats is Aug. 6, 2019. The general election is Nov. 5, 2019. Qualifying for that election will begin in January 2019. That’s not that far out.

Elections for the board of mayor and aldermen are a little further out — 2021.

It’s not too early to think about running and laying the groundwork for a campaign for either group.

Our community is best served when we have strong interest in our available elected positions. Win or lose, having women in our area throw their hats in the political ring would only make us stronger.

Jan Griffey is general manager of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at jan.griffey@vicksburgpost.com.