NDP candidate for Kelowna West to increase visibility in byelection

Shelley Cook opens campaign office, plans to be ‘as present as I can be in West Kelowna’

Shelley Cook is making her presence known in Kelowna West in preparation for the upcoming byelection. Cook is the NDP candidate running against Liberal Ben Stewart and Green Robert Stupka.

One of the major changes Cook is making in this campaign is exhibiting more of a presence in her riding, starting with the location of her campaign office.

During last spring’s general election, in which Cook came second to thenpremier Christy Clark, she shared a campaign office with the two other NDP candidates in Kelowna.

Although the office was located near the border of all three Kelowna ridings, it was technically in the KelownaMission riding.

“I want to be up front in the face of my constituents, and I felt the location of our office was something I knew we could do better this time,” she said. “One thing that is really important to me is to be as present as I can be in West Kelowna.”

Her new office is located on the Westside at 110-2330 Highway 97 S.

“I’ve been working hard to get out there, be visible and really try and stay on top of the issues at all times in my community,” said Cook. “The best thing I can be is accessible.”

In speaking with residents in her riding, Cook said this election has a much different feel to it than the previous one.

“I think the biggest difference in what I’m hearing from people is we’re the government in power, and having an MLA working hard for you in your area that can directly affect change is a new benefit that people weren’t thinking about last time for the NDP,” she said. “I don’t think the value of that is lost on people.”

While the byelection has not officially been called, Cook, along with the other candidates, has not hesitated to begin campaigning.

“The three main concerns that I’m hearing tie into the priorities for the NDP,” said Cook. “Housing affordability seems to be a massive issue of concern, which is no surprise to any of us who live here.”

Concerns about public safety and the drug trade are also important to people in the riding, along with investments in health care and education, she said.

“I really want to make sure I’m hearing people and encouraging them to be educated,” said Cook. “If people are frustrated about things that are happening in the community, I’m happy to hear anything, because I’m learning and it will make me a better MLA.”