Business and community leaders in Summerland are preparing for the aftereffects of last week’s provincial election.
Provincially, the B.C. Liberals were elected to their fourth consecutive majority government.
In the riding of Penticton, newly elected Liberal Dan Ashton will replace retiring Bill Barisoff.
Arlene Fenrich, president of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, said the Liberal victory is good for the business community.
“The elected government platform of responsible spending, a balanced budget, debt reduction, and improving the economy while supporting job growth is very promising for Summerland, the Okanagan and B.C. businesses,” she said.
“Every region shares similar economic concerns and all levels of government have the responsibility of doing their part to improve their local economies. The voters have wisely made their choice for putting the economy first.”
Mayor Janice Perrino said Ashton, who was in his second term as mayor of Penticton, has a strong background with the needs of local governments.
“Dan Ashton understands municipal work and regional work,” she said. “I think he understands how the majority of the people feel about fiscal management.”
Perrino said the four candidates were all good people who worked hard during the campaign.
She added that the municipality will continue to petition the province for funding for various Summerland projects and initiatives.
“We’re going to be in front of our MLA as much as we ever were,” she said.