by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Laura Colella

Age: 24

Occupation: NDP candidate [St-Michel-St-Leonard]

Bio: This verbose yet delightfully earnest St-Leonard resident was first introduced to the concept of social democracy while in CÉGEP. With a background in special ed, although apparently not as a student, Laura has been spreading the good word about the newly revitalized NDP to pretty well anyone in her riding who cares to listen. Expecting to graduate with a law degree from UQÀM this spring, this delicious bastion of integrity first got involved with the New Democrats by creating a riding association for the party in her 'hood. Later, when the time came to select a local candidate to run in the upcoming election, her fellow politicos voted her the gig by a landslide because she'd done such a bang up job as head of her riding association.

Was there anybody around to contest her nomination or did she win it solely because she and her pet turtle are the only card-carrying members of the NDP in St-Michel-St-Leonard? "No, my nomination was contested. And actually, we have a very healthy membership here, plenty of supporters."

One motivating force behind her entry into the political arena: A deep-rooted mistrust of Emperor Paul Martin. "Honestly, I can't stand the guy. I think he's dangerous for this country."

The kind of salary she expects to earn should she win the election: "Huh? I have no idea."

Could it ever possibly be enough to justify having to live in Ottawa? "Hey, I've got no problems with Ottawa, it's an okay place to live. But I'd commute back to my riding anyway. To keep the connection."

Something she strongly believes in: Proportional representation.

Is there any truth to the rumour about the NDP being so desperate for Quebec candidates that they've been combing through East End dumpsters hoping to dig out and enlist charismatic, well-spoken crack whores to run for them in certain ridings? Not that Laura is aware of. "The NDP will really be focusing our energies in Quebec this election. Jack Layton comes from Montreal, you know, and he's here all the time."

Her position with respect to the decriminalization of doob: Laura is all for it.

Has she ever gotten high? Apparently not. "Not to say that I wouldn't try it [marijuana]. I just never have."

When she sees a person begging for change along Pie-IX, does she immediately get all excited, thinking, "Wow, this is my hard-core constituency, I'd better make sure that dude with the urine dripping down his pant leg is registered on the electoral list?" Not really. "And everybody has a reason to vote NDP, not just union workers and the disenfranchised."

Childhood ambition: To become a doctor.

Musical preferences: Barenaked Ladies, Bryan Adams, Starmania.

Words of wisdom: "It's a great thing to fight for what you believe in. But choose your battles, because if you fight for everything you're going to burn out, and that's not positive action."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca