We wish we could endorse all three of the top progressive candidates. Each of Lori Borthwick, Sean Kelly, and Amanda Robertson display thoughtful and critical acumen, rich experience, and personal commitment. All would be excellent representatives of this riding at Queen’s Park. As we must pick one, however, we have decided to endorse the candidacy of Sean Kelly, who shows the most potential to unite this riding around a progressive agenda. As a Belleville Councillor for six years, and well known talk radio show host on MIX 97, he is both well versed in critical issues and has wide voter recognition.

Sean Kelly has served on the City of Belleville Council since 2018, including committees for economic development and marketing, local history, conservation, diversity equity and inclusion, and EMS and long-term care.

His business career included his regular radio show, and he was director of programming for Quinte Broadcasting. He has also acted as Finance Chair in his role as trustee with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

Having lived and raised a family in the region for thirty years, Mr. Kelly is familiar with local issues, and has seen the long-term effects of costs downloaded onto municipalities. He has spoken out in favour of stronger funding for education, addressing the doctor shortage in Ontario, mental health support, and affordable housing.

Mr. Kelly and previous Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith may wear different political stripes but they are cut from the same type of cloth. Highly in tune with the issues facing voters in the Quinte region, Mr. Smith was a tireless advocate for local constituents during his time in opposition. One municipal leader in Prince Edward County quipped early in Mr. Smith’s tenure that “Todd is the best barking dog we ever sent to Queen’s Park.”

Mr. Kelly can be that loud, effective booming voice that won’t be ignored. The voice that draws attention to the needs of the region. The voice that holds the government to account during question period. The voice that unifies the community and advocates for every person in the riding.

The latest polls in the Bay of Quinte show Mr. Kelly has created one-point lead for the Liberals among decided voters — quite an achievement in a crowded field of progressive candidates trying to edge out the Conservatives.

• 36% – Sean Kelly (Ontario Liberal)
• 35% – Tyler Allsopp (PC)
• 18% – Amanda Robertson (Ontario NDP)
• 5% – Lori Bothwick (Ontario Greens)
• 6% – Other
  
  The poll, commissioned by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) was held September 8 to 9 using interactive voice response technology. 541 voters in the Bay of Quinte were contacted. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.21, 19 times out of 20.
  
  The election is September 19.