Maxine Dehart put an end to speculation Thursday.

The long time Kelowna resident is taking a run at provincial politics, announcing she will be seeking the Liberal nomination in the riding of Kelowna-Mission.

The seat is currently held by Sindi Hawkins, who recently announced that she would not be seeking re-election.

"I talked to Sindi yesterday. I did not want her to hear it from the media. We had a really nice chat," says Dehart.

Hawkins could not be on hand for the news conference because the legislature is sitting in Victoria.

Dehart says the two never discussed the level of Hawkins' support for her nomination bid.

"We have not talked about that. We hadn't even gone there because we are friends."

In making her announcement, Dehart told a room full of supporters she had always had an interest in public service, but felt the timing wasn't right.

"This is the right place, the right party and now is the right time."

Dehart has never held public office, but says her lack of political experience won't be a hindrance.

"I have thought of that and I decided this is the way I should go. I have had three careers and I felt if I was in civic politics, I would probably stay at the hotel, I would probably do my career at the paper, but I don't think I can do all three job successfully. I just didn't feel I could handle the three and give them all the credit they deserved."

Dehart currently works at the Ramada Lodge Hotel and writes a weekly column in the Capital News.

When asked about specific issues, Dehart chose not to answer, stating she wanted to focus instead on the nomination.

Before she can officially seek the nomination, Dehart must now go through a nomination process through the party, including a lengthy 42-page questionnaire.

Dehart is the first person to openly declare an intention to seek the Kelowna-Mission Liberal nomination.

No date has been set for a nominating meeting.

The provincial election is set for May 12.

Video -- Kelly Hayes