Konanz to call it quits
Popular city council member will not seek re-election on Oct. 20
Atwo-term Penticton city councillor has announced she will not seek re-election. Helena Konanz posted a short letter on her personal social media account, Saturday, telling friends she won’t be running for the position of mayor or city councillor in the Oct. 20 municipal election.
“I’m very grateful for the support and encouragement to run again, but I realize it is only fair that I let people know now that I will not seek another term on council,” she posted on Facebook. “I hope this encourages other candidates to step forward and serve this beautiful city.”
She later added, “This has been one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had, and I hope that anyone who has the inclination to step forward will do so.”
She is presently completing a Masters degree at UBC Okanagan in political science.
Konanz was first elected to city council in 2011, finishing second overall of more than 20 challengers in what was her first attempt at public office. (The top six are elected.) She was re-elected in 2014, third overall (behind Max Picton and Campbell Watt) and was first of the three incumbents.
During her time on council she spent four years as a Penticton representative on the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
“I really enjoyed my time on council and I feel honoured and privileged to represent the citizens of Penticton,” Konanz said in an interview with The Herald, shortly after her social media post went up. “I would recommend it to anyone.”
When asked what accomplishments she’s proudest of, Konanz named three.
“The lakeshore walkway, although controversial at the time, is a wonderful addition to our community. It’s probably our best-used piece of infrastructure and it’s accessible to wheelchairs.
I was happy to see the number of rental housing units increase because we want young people to be able to stay in Penticton.
I was also very proud that Penticton was named the best entrepreneurial city in B.C. because that’s something I always worked very hard for.”
Konanz told the mayor and council of her intention last week prior to making it public.
“Helena was always fiscally conservative and she fought very hard against any added expenditure, but at the same time she has a very big heart and especially a soft spot for our youth,” Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said, Saturday. “As a councillor, Helena really matured a lot in her second term. I saw her progress in her duties and comprehension of civic politics. She’s a valued member of our council and I’m sad to see her not continue with us, but wish her the best wherever she goes.”
Penticton MLA Dan Ashton, who was mayor for two years when Konanz was a rookie councillor, also offered praise.
“She was elected in 2011 and we had a wonderful council and she was definitely one of the stars on it,” Ashton said. “She’s very concerned about her community. She’s fiscally responsible and has financial accountability, but she also has a social conscience. Helena did a very good job and the city’s going to miss her.”
Konanz is a graduate of UCLA in political science. She was a member of the women’s tennis team which won the NCAA championship.
Konanz, 57, and her husband Adam recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. They have two adult children — Zackary and Zoe.
Konanz expressed an interest in seeking the Conservative nomination in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding in 2015, but quickly withdrew her name from consideration.
She said she is “considering” seeking the Tory nomination this time around, but remains uncommitted at this time.
Konanz was in Castlegar, Saturday, for the riding association’s annual general meeting and election of officers.
No date has been announced for the Conservative nomination meeting. Marshall Neufeld, who ran unsuccessfully in 2015, is the only declared candidate for the Conservatives at this time.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes was considering running but decided not to.
In the meantime, Konanz will finish her term on city council.