Penticton city councillor Helena Konanz, having declared her intention to seek the Conservative nomination for the new riding of South Okanagan West Kootenay on November 13, has decided the move is not for her after all.
"Due to personal and family reasons, I've decided not to run for the Conservative nomination," Konanz is quoted from a November 28 press release.
"I've done a lot of reflection and have decided holding the position of MP in this large riding would not be in the best interests of my family," her statement continued. "I also enjoy my role as a city councillor, and will continue to work hard for Penticton, and would like to remain on Penticton City Council in the future."
In a Nov. 28 phone call with the Castlegar News, Konanz agreed with the suggestion that the gravity of the commitment necessary for a federal political bid had only hit home after her announcement to run was made.
The decision to make way for another candidate, one who is more adept and prepared for the travel required, was a recent one.
"It was just in the last few days," she related on the phone, "when I started planning my campaign trips through the Kootenays and South Okanagan... and I realized even that was going to be quite a bit for the next couple of years. I realized what the commitment actually was."
The civic politician's press release concludes, "I continue to support the Conservative party and wish whoever wins the nomination all the best. It's going to be a tough job, but I'm sure a very fulfilling job for the right candidate."