Penticton City Councillor Helena Konanz announced on Nov. 13 that she would seek the nomination for the Conservative Party of Canada in the new Riding of South Okanagan West Kootenay.
She says she was encouraged by many people to pursue the nomination when Dan Albas made the decision to represent the Conservatives in the new riding of central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola in the next federal election.
“ I offer a fresh approach, and fresh face, to both the local Conservative members and the constituents of the new Electoral District of South Okanagan-West Kootenay” said Ms. Konanz, “I also look forward to meeting voters across the new riding and bringing my knowledge and experience from municipal government and the private sector to serve all residents in the riding”
Ms. Konanz was elected onto Penticton City Council in 2011, winning the second most votes that year. Since entering office, she has focused on promoting business throughout the region, and has served as an alternate on the RDOS Board. In particular she has been pushing provincial leaders and local stakeholders for more assistance in skills trades training, which she feels is the crucial link in kickstarting the economy in the new riding.
After graduating from UCLA with a political science degree, she travelled the world as a tennis professional, participating in such tournaments as Wimbledon, and the US Open.
After retiring from professional tennis, Ms. Konanz worked for NIKE in their Retail Management Division and opened stores for the company throughout the West Coast of the United States. Ms. Konanz also worked for SportChek as a manager in the company’s first store located in BC.
With her husband Adam, Helena moved to The South Okanagan nearly 20 years ago, and they have started numerous small businesses, including Konanz Chiropractic Centre. She is also the tennis coach at Penticton Secondary School. They have two teenage children.
Should she win the nomination and the following election for the seat of Member of Parliament, Ms. Konanz will continue to focus on job creation and economic development, as she has throughout her term as city councillor.