Cook aims to set record straight
A local panel’ s hard-hitting assessment in August, which looked at the merits of incumbent Lambton Ward councillor Stephanie Cook strongly criticised her effectiveness and work ethic, rating them in the “very poor” category.
“I know a few people on that panel and I was very disappointed to read it,” she says.
Cook also received media attention following protracted attempts to adopt two Russian orphans. She was finally successful and both girls are now happy here with their new mother. However critics claim this has been a distraction, which has impacted on her performance and effectiveness.
Cook understands these concerns, but feels she is an effective public representative
“The hours I spend on council business varies depending on what’s on. It’s not just a nine to five job. In two weeks time I have meetings every night that week. Most of my weekends are spent attending events as part of my role of councillor. It’s a 24/7 job. Even If I’m at home I’ll be reading documents, sending emails or doing research so I am virtually working all the time,” she says.
There have been criticisms levied at Cook that she has been distracted since motherhood, however this is a claim she denies.
“People possibly have noticed that I’m not around as much as I used to be since I became a mother. Like all other councillors who have families I have new commitments, however I still work incredibly hard,” she says.
Cook was also criticised for not being successful in accomplishing council work that makes a difference to ratepayers and for not getting enough policy passed by council.
“Until the people vote in enough colleagues who think as I do it’s always going to be an uphill battle. In terms of getting stuff through council I have been a minority councillor for 15 years now. However I get a lot done at a lower level where you are just dealing with council officers. I regularly get small projects up and running, and help communities get things done. I’ve gotten a lot of heritage protection for my local community as well as getting the park upgraded. When you look at this kind of lower level stuff I have been very effective,” she says.
If re-elected, Cook wants to start a community garden, which would allow locals to pick their own fruit and vegetables, as well as setting up more youth venues.
“Some of the highlights include getting the city safety initiatives up and running, also my work with youth programs. I was also involved in stopping council selling our works department. They wanted to sell city operations. I was against that as I don’t want to see council being held to ransom by the private sector. I also have a vision of [youth council] setting up a whole lot of youth venues,” she says.
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1 Comment
Johnny at 10:56 a.m. on 1 September said
I think those meetings she talks about are campaign meetings which it's in her own self interest to attend. Seems like she has no plans for the next two weeks until then apart from banking council pay cheques. For balance I would have liked some further comment from the panel about her "very poor" and "very" ineffective ratings. Otherwise this article is a puff piece.