Thank you, Coun. Konanz

You can disagree with Helena Konanz's decisions on city council, but you can never question her integrity or willingness to help people. Konanz threw the community a curveball on the weekend with her surprise announcement that she won't seek re-election to council — or challenge for mayor — in the Oct. 20 municipal election.

The early announcement, she said, was to encourage others who might be thinking about running for council to put their name in.

During her seven years on council, she and her husband, Adam, were frequently seen in the community at special events and forums on how to make Penticton a better place to live. She never shied away from a tough crowd. A former NCAA champion in tennis, she'd participate in athletic events such as the Granfondo.

She had a good reputation for returning phone calls, responding to texts and emails.

Her seven years on council also included four terms with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

She was definitely pro-business, pro-development. But, she also had a social conscience.

A mother of two, Konanz championed youth in the community, including athletics, anti-bullying and the alarming rise in teenage suicide.

What we appreciated was her attention to detail when it came to spending the public's money.

When city staff lobbied for a $20,000 communications contract for the 200 block of Main Street in 2013, only she and John Vassilaki voted against it. That's one of many examples. She was extremely effective come budget time.

There's speculation she may challenge for the federal Conservative nomination in South Okanagan-West Kootenay (“I'm considering it”), which would be good for the Conservatives because she definitely appeals to a lot of people.

After finishing runner-up to Garry Litke in what was her first run for public office in 2011, her popularity remained consistent as she was re-elected 2014 in third place with about the same number of votes.

Konanz will continue to serve on council until the election. Whatever she does next still remains to be seen.

Thank you, Helena Konanz, for your efforts to make Penticton and the South Okanagan a better place.