Coun. Helena Konanz
Image Credit: City of Penticton
October 01, 2014 - 12:12 PM
PENTICTON - Helena Konanz says she wants to continue to improve Penticton’s economy and culture by continuing her reign on city council.
"My portfolio for the past three years has been towards economic development and job creation, and I would like to continue to advocate for the business and manufacturing sector of our city for the next 4 years,” she says. “The growth of our business community can only mean one thing; higher paying jobs and a better standard of living for all our citizens.”
In her second term, Konanz wants to continue to create economic opportunities, including higher paying jobs, enhancing local skilled trades training, embrace the “College Town” perspective, and encourage citizens to take advantage of job opportunities with the Okanagan Correctional Centre and hospital expansion.
Konanz was elected for the first time in 2011, and says she has remained an “independent voice” on council during her three year term. She opposed the final 2014 budget, which included items she opposed, such as the $30,000.00 communication strategy for the Martin Street upgrade, increased staffing levels, and the lack of funding towards Economic Development. She also voted against raising the electrical rates above Fortis rates.
"We cannot continue to expect our citizens and businesses to afford the massive increases in electrical expenses incurred in the last few years,” she says.
Konanz has lived in the Okanagan for 20 years with her two teenage children and husband, with whom she owns a small business. She is a professional tennis coach, volunteer Pen Hi tennis coach, and athlete.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014