The Bay of Quinte riding NDP party has chosen a candidate to carry the orange banner in October’s federal election.

Stephanie Bell, 30, of Picton was acclaimed at a riding association meeting Thursday night in Belleville.

Previous to being introduced, Bell was described as a smart, hard-working young lady who really cared about the well-being of others.

She has travelled to countries such as Israel, Palestine, and Guatemala to learn more about various cultures and ways of the world.

At present she is a gardener for hire, a server/bartender, and is also apprenticing in a bicycle repair shop.

Bell has had some political campaign experience as she’s twice run, unsuccessfully, for a seat on Prince Edward County council in Picton ward.

“I’m running for the NDP because their policies speak to me. They make sense to me. I feel like I’m part of a big warm family. Most young people now

don’t like the culture of today’s politics. It’s too aggressive and the other parties just keep on offering more of the same. Ever since I was young I’ve felt the

system doesn’t work for a lot of people. There needs to be change and we’re going to do politics differently, nationally and right here in Bay of Quinte riding.

I think I can get younger people interested in the issues and get more of them voting NDP this time around.

Bell has been reading about climate change and its effects since she was 10 years old and for her it should be the number one issue in the campaign.

“We’ve got to take serious action now, not in 20 years time.”

Affordable housing and good jobs are other issues Bell cares deeply about.

This fall if you see a young woman wearing the NDP orange riding a bicycle on the roads of the Bay of Quinte riding that will most likely be candidate Stephanie Bell.

She doesn’t drive although she grudgingly admits her campaign volunteers will be driving her about in vehicles should the campaign demand it.