Stephanie Bell

Picton Ward One

Stephanie Bell knows what it’s like to work hard. During the day she works at the Bloomfield Bicycle Company and in the evening, she switches gears and gets behind the pine at the Acoustic Grill as a bartender. As if that’s not enough, Bell’s third job is a gardener-for-hire and she also works other odd gigs and special events during the busy months. They are gruelling, backbreaking days, but having three or four jobs in the County is quickly becoming the norm in this feast or famine seasonal world. The adage “making hay while the sun shines” has never been truer, just adapted into a modern setting. For Bell, this demographic of hard-working County folk has not been properly represented at council yet, and she looks to change that.

“I am running because I believe that many different demographics should be represented on council so that we can make well-rounded, balanced and fair decisions. I am passionate about representing young folks, women, progressives, people on the fringes, cyclists and service industry workers just to name a few under-represented categories,” says Bell.

Bell has lived in the County for 24 years now. She moved here when she was five years old. This is Bell’s second run at council. She made a run in the last election and is now a little more comfortable in terms of the process. Her drive to run in the last election stemmed from issues around housing, poverty and food insecurity, and a lot of that hasn’t changed for 2018. Housing and the need for affordable housing are at the top of the list.

“The housing issue is a big deal. Employers can’t get people because we don’t have housing. It is a serious problem. Next summer I don’t see how we’re going to have all these businesses operating without places for their employees to live,” says Bell.

Bell is adamant about making sure that all voices are heard in the County and is generally concerned that the age make-up of the current council might make them out of touch with the modern County folk. Another change to the world in the last few decades is the constant need to learn and upgrade skills and knowledge, which Bell is passionate about and would bring to the table. Bell wonders if members of the current council really know how hard she and many, many others must work to live in the County and make it their home.

For some, the salary of a council member is an issue, and a few would say that it’s so low that only retired people can fully take on the responsibilities of the job at that pay scale. Bell wants to change that and says that if she can manage three jobs at once, and still have time for a bit of a life, anything is possible. If elected, she’s looking forward to dedicating a good portion of her time to talking to people and learning what their issues are.

For Bell, the top concerns she’s heard from Ward One residents are the general need for housing, the outrageous water bills, the conditions of our roads, and how we use our taxes. Bell also thinks that the people in Ward One want transparency and integrity from their next councillor. Her drive to serve and be active in her community was there four years ago and it’s just as strong now. She is also excited about the diversity of candidates throwing their hat in the ring this year.

“There are so many great new faces running in Prince Edward County that if elected as a group we could transform the culture and really become pioneers of new ways to approach issues around tourism, housing, poverty, food insecurity, and general well-being of our community. The candidates this year are innovative and truly care about the people around them.”