About me: Councillor Ruth O'Keeffe

I was first elected county councillor for Lewes in 2005 and have lived in East Sussex since 1987. I am a teacher by profession, but currently work as an administrator at a special school. The school is a children’s trust and, in my role, I raise money for equipment and resources for the children.

But how did I get here?

In 1998, I was a parent governor at a local Lewes primary school. A colleague from the Town Council asked if I’d ever considered standing in the local elections, so that sparked my interest.

I decided to stand as a councillor as I wanted to make a positive difference to the local community, by solving constituents’ problems, and perhaps maintaining existing coherent policies and influencing new ones that could help them further.

My community

I am really interested in the people who live in my community. It is important to spend time finding out about what is happening in the local community by talking and listening to local residents. Keeping a detailed diary and a small notebook to write down everyone’s requests and queries is vital.

I enjoy being able to help people sort issues out by providing them with the information they require, making sure that their views are heard, and that the Council and relevant officers are fully aware of local feeling. Particular concerns include traffic, parking, access to services, flooding and approaching local government.

Securing funding and encouraging different groups to work together on community projects has been particularly enjoyable. I have also taken Fair Trade as an issue to the Council, which has resulted in the Council agreeing to join local people in working towards Fair Trade County status.

My home life

I am married and have four children, aged from 10 to 18. Keeping on top of balancing home and work life so that I can be there for my children and get to official meetings is an ongoing process.

My spare time

I like reading, walking, gardening, knitting, sewing and take an interest in environmental issues.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Lewes