Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to meet Nicole Paultre Bell. For those of you not from New York, Nicole is the widow of Sean Bell who was shot to death by the police the day of their wedding in 2006. Though the police were acquitted, Ms. Bell recently won a civil suit and was awarded $3.25 million for the couple's two children. Vindication if not justice.
Usually I don't answer my door in the evenings but I figured it may be the UPS with a package so I called out who's there and Ms. Bell's small voice rang out clear and true. Nicole is running for City Council District 28, the seat was made vacant by the death of Mr. Thomas White this summer. I opened my door to a petite smiling young woman full of charisma and charm.
It's not so much what was said during our conversation but how she presented herself. What words would I use to describe meeting with and speaking to Nicole Paultre Bell; heart, gumption, spunk, confidence, knowledgeable. As for the criticisms that she doesn't have a track record of experience, well neither did Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Long Island), who was prompted to run for political office after her husband was killed and her son injured by a gunman on the LIRR. Maybe we need someone young, fresh and a bit idealistic who has not been corrupted by the system and who is not part of the current political machine.
Also Nicole Paultre Bell is only 26. This young woman could easily have been my daughter, her children my grandchildren. I'm amazed by the poise and grace of this young woman and Nicole Paultre Bell has my vote. Who knows folks we may be looking at the next Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm. From small beginnings come great things.
