About eight years ago, Wanda Lohmeier enrolled in a self-defense class that changed her perspective on woman’s issues.
That new insight, said Lohmeier, prompted her to apply for and ultimately accept a volunteer position on the newly formed Woman’s Commission for Oakland County.
The idea for enrolling in the class back then, said Lohmeier, a Clarkston-area real estate agent, was to learn how to defend herself against danger in work-related situations, such as showing an empty home to a potential buyer.
With two female colleagues in tow, Lohmeier showed up for the class taught by her son Michael.
But much to her surprise, Lohmeier said, she and her coworkers were in the minority.
‘Everyone else was there to learn how to defend themselves from a significant other, be it a boyfriend or a husband,? she said, noting about a dozen women attended the class. ‘The three of us just looked at one another in shock; we were surrounded by woman who live in constant fear, and those they fear, they sleep with.?
Her first inclination, Lohmeier said, was akin to disbelief.
‘I was thinking, ‘Why do you put up with it? Walk out door. Why would anyone tolerate that abuse???
But over the course of the class, Lohmeier had the opportunity to talk with many of the class participants, and what she learned not only helped her understand the mindset of women in domestic violence situations, but also helped her realize the issue’s prevalence.
‘As we’ve seen, it’s not just limited to a certain part of society,? she said, citing the highly publicized murders of Lacy Peterson and Tara Grant. ‘It’s a very deep-seeded social problem. And it’s not something (women) get out of easily.?
Lohmeier said she’s looking forward to serving with a group created specifically to look at women’s issues.
‘I think Oakland County has taken a bold, bold step in putting this group together and I hope the committee really does do a good job,? she said. ‘I’m really hoping it helps identify some of the unique situations women have, because many of them are not the same issues we had (in the past).?
The 27-member commission’comprised of two county commissioners and an appointee from each commissioner on the county’s 25-member board’will survey the status and needs of women in Oakland County, and make recommendations based on those findings.
The group is only the second of its kind in Michigan. Ingham County was first to boast such an assembly.
Lohmeier was appointed by District 4 Commissioner Tom Middleton, to represent parts of Independence Township and Waterford, as well as the Village of Clarkston, where she lives and continues a 33-year-long career in real estate.
Although Lohmeier was the only applicant for the unpaid position in District 4, Middleton said he was pleased with her knowledge and service to the community.
‘Even with a lot of applications I think she would have come to the top,? he said, noting Lohmeier’s willingness to openly share her ideas and views on a number of issues.
‘She wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion,? he said. ‘She said some things that she wouldn’t have said if she was going to always be politically correct. She was blunt and forward, and that’s the way I like to be.?
Middleton said the Woman’s Commission had the potential to bring fresh ideas to the board.
‘Men kind of forget that half of society is woman,? he said. ‘And women think a little differently than men do.?
Lohmeier addressed the Michigan State Women’s Commission on one occasion, and attended several of the group’s meetings in Lansing, as well. She also currently serves as secretary to the Friend of the Court’s Advisory Committee.
Lohmeier lives in Clarkston with her husband John. The couple has three adult children: David, Michael and Cynthia, and seven grandchildren. The entire family has been active in community service.
The women’s commission is scheduled to meet four times a year, with members serving one-year terms.
According to the county’s website, the Women’s Commission for Oakland County will:
‘Hold public meetings and fact-finding hearings to determine what women need and how best to provide it. This information will be disseminated to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the County Executive, public agencies and to the public;
‘Use voluntary services of private individuals, agencies and organizations which may be offered and needed from time to time; and
‘Work with and obtain statistical information from Oakland County’s Planning and Economic Development Services Department, and other governmental and human services agencies to gather information and set priorities.
The first meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30.