Long-serving city councillor officially announces retirement from politics

KELOWNA – Robert Hobson has made it clear for some time he wouldn’t be seeking re-election to Kelowna city council, but Monday he made his political retirement official.

In a media release, Hobson says, “it has been a distinct honour… to have received the public’s trust over 9 elections."

He was first elected in 1988 and has served on city council for 26 years, which included 21 years as a Central Okanagan Regional District board member and 14 years on the Union of B.C. Municipalities executive.

“What I have learned is that while great cities have an impetus for growth, growth alone will not make a city great,” he says. “Greatness comes from investment in those things that provide the quality of life our citizens demand.”

Hobson says the modest tax increases which have provided the city’s essential services were made possible by successive councils and staff working together and listening to the people.

“I am confident that our city has the plans and the vision to thrive and prosper, and that a new generation of leadership will emerge to guide us.”

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.