Book Description

Description of Content:Through the Glass Ceiling: A Life in Nevada Politics is the oral history of Sue Wagner, who served in the assembly in the 1970s, in the senate in the 1980s, and was elected lieutenant governor in 1991, serving one term. Sue Wagner became involved in Nevadas political scene as a young wife and mother of two small children. This memoir reveals Wagners rare and indomitable spirit in her multi-faceted life as mother, friend, political activist, sports enthusiast, mentor, teacher, and leader. When she entered the Nevada Legislature, Sue Wagner was a fightera woman with experience, determination, and the ability to cross the gender gap and move through the glass ceiling. She was an able negotiator with both men and women, and over the next twenty-some years her colleagues came to know and respect her. In her oral history Wagner shares the background that shaped her political skills. Her oral history covers her Nevada political career in depth, right down to the inner workings of the committees and the powerful people who served with her. It also recounts the many issues she supported, including safe houses for abused women, prison-system reform, abortion rights, and the fight to ratify the ERA as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Sue Wagner played a leading role as a champion of womens rightsespecially their right to serve in public office. One compelling thread weaves unrelentingly through her lifetragic losses. In 1980 her husband, Peter Wagner, was killed in an airplane crash while working for the Desert Research Institute. The second airplane crash in her life came in 1990 when she was a passenger in a small plane returning to Reno from Fallon, Nevada, where she was wrapping up a successful campaign for lieutenant governor. Her strong will kept her alive through the painful days ahead and the continued health challenges resulting from her injuries. She won that election and servedagainst all odds, based on her healthas lieutenant governor. Although Wagner no longer runs for Nevada public office, she still serves the state on the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Washoe Medical Center Advisory Board. When the legislature is in session, she places university students as legislative interns and continues to mentor young men and women as they enter the political arena. Through her continued work for Nevada, Sue Wagner lives her passion every day and continues laying the groundwork for women to join the political process and move through the glass ceiling.