NEWBOARD MEMBER
"I have an interest in what happens in Inglewood, and I see a need for the Board to probably take a bit more of a leadership role in the community."
Mel Cook
Mel Cook says he will ‘‘sit on his hands and listen’’ for his first weeks on the Inglewood Community Board.
Cook won the board’s byelection with 893 votes, ahead of Megan Hale, 841 votes, and Michael Self who had 393 votes.
The by-election arose after longtime member Phil Rowe resigned in June for personal reasons after ten years’ service.
‘‘It was an opportunity for me to further contribute to the community,’’ Cook said. ‘‘I have an interest in what happens in Inglewood, and I see a need for the Board to probably take a bit more of a leadership role in the community.’’ Married, with adult chil- dren, the insurance and investment consultant said he will continue to advocate the issue of Inglewood water.
‘‘Some of the people in Inglewood are frustrated by the water issue. It doesn’t affect every- body and it is something that’s being addressed but communication needs to be improved from the council,’’ he said.
A councillor came and spoke to the community about the problem around the New Plymouth District Council 30-year plan, and explained it very well, he said.
‘‘In doing so it shows how complex the issue is and it’s not a simple fix, but you do feel for the people.’’
Cook still planned on remaining active in his current community roles and said he would not have applied if he couldn’t commit the time.
He and his wife live on a lifestyle block on the outskirts of Inglewood and he enjoyed the town’s community spirit.
‘‘It’s a very supportive, closeknit town, a very proud town.’’
He has lived in Inglewood since
1990 when he moved from Stratford, having moved from Wellington to the central Taranaki town. ‘‘I’m nearly a local.’’
It was disappointing that only
36.12 per cent of voters turned up, he said.