Kate Kravis

Councillor in West Somerset

When I was elected to West Somerset Council in May 2007 I was nearly overwhelmed with the enormity of what I had taken on and the responsibility given to me by those who had actually taken the time to vote. My election campaign had involved two leaflets partly designed by my 13 year old daughter. My husband and children had gallantly taken to the streets to deliver them.

I think this approach was, and hopefully still is, my strong point. I am a working mother who loves where I live and feels my community deserves a councillor who will do their best for them without the pull of party politics. It’s important to remember who elected you and although my heart sinks a little at those tea time phone calls, my most satisfying moments are when I can use my knowledge to help someone through the confusing world of local government. A few months after the election I joined the Cabinet of the Council and now have responsibility for housing. Soon, developments I have been involved in will see local people moving in. There are a lot of challenges working in the area of housing provision but I enjoy the work thoroughly.

So far my main priority has been to help my council improve. I sometimes step back and wonder how I changed from a rather reluctant councillor to one who has taken this on with such enthusiasm. It’s a huge task and I have a few more grey hairs, but I am determined that even if I am not elected again, I know I will have made a difference to my council, and through that, my community will be a better place for it.