Long time Okanagan resident and former school trustee Connie Denesiuk has announced her intention to seek the Liberal seat for the Penticton riding.

Denesiuk, who previously held positions such as President of the BC School Trustees Association is a well known figure around town and her bid comes as no surprise.

The owner of a small construction company has no previous experience in politics but says her "skills have been honed locally through many years of service"

Denesiuk says her interests don't lie solely with education.

"I think we need to do a good job of bringing jobs to the area as well. Growing jobs, attracting jobs and advancing our technology and innovation in the areas."

Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff announced over the weekend he would be retiring from politics after this year.

The Liberal nomination meeting is set for late October.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton