First time Penticton City Councillor Amelia Boultbee has set her sights on higher politics, running with the BC Conservatives in the Penticton-Summerland riding.

鈥淚 thought long and hard about this decision and did not make it lightly and decided to do so because I know I can do more for my constituents as an MLA than a city councillor,鈥� said Boultbee, who topped the polls in the last municipal election.

鈥淚 will be running to replace Dan Ashton in the upcoming provincial election,鈥� Boultbee announced on several social media pages on Monday.

Ashton announced last week that he is throwing his hat into federal politics with the Conservative Party, aiming to fill the seat to be vacated by longtime MP Richard Cannings, who is retiring.

Boultbee, 36, said she has spoken with her colleagues on council as well as the city CAO. She will be taking the mandatory six week leave of absence during the campaign period. The provincial election is set for October.

Boultbee went on to say her community is struggling with crime, homelessness, lack of housing and access to healthcare, as well as food insecurity and the high cost of living.

The fourth generation Pentictonite said only so much can be done at the municipal level.

鈥淎t the provincial level I can actually advocate for more wraparound services, additional funding for crime initiatives such as the prolific offender management program.鈥�

Boultbee, who is a lawyer, said she also wants to address the criminal law system鈥檚 catch and release program.

She鈥檚 also concerned that BC Housing doesn鈥檛 have a cohesive plan for Penticton. She also wants advocate for small businesses. Known on council to be fiscally responsible on council, she opposes the NDP鈥檚 latest budget and what she said is 鈥渙ne of the worst deficits in B.C. history.鈥�

Boultbee will be running against Tracy St. Claire, who is the BC United candidate.

BC United leader Kevin Falcon was in Penticton to announce St. Claire is running to replace Ashton.