For years, he was the friendly face behind the counter at Maxwell’s Foto Source. He’s been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 45 years and a long-time fixture in hockey and baseball in St. Thomas.
So, what prompted Mike Brisson to test the political waters?
“It’s something I’ve thought for years and years and years, but unfortunately we had health issues with my wife, and time just wasn’t there.
“Now, I’m definitely committing. I talked to my family and quite a few friends, and they encouraged me to move ahead because obviously they thought that I was the right person for one of these eight positions.
“I’ve lived here my entire life. I’m known in the city as Mike from Maxwell’s or Mike from Minor Hockey, Mike from Shoppers Drug Mart, or Mike from Food Basics.”
We delved into his priorities and the things he considered issues that need to be addressed.
“I would love to take another look at our city transit. And I’ve been committed to strengthening the essential services that protect and care for us. I believe I’m a longtime supporter of the hospital, our EMS, the fire department, and the police department.
“I want our city to be safe, and I feel that way because I’m a widower. I’m a father of three sons, a grandfather to two wonderful little kids. My family has always been my anchor. And they’re the reason why I believe so strongly in a safe, supportive, and connected community that we have. And I want to keep it that way.”
Brisson continued,
“And I’ve always felt that I have, not physically, but I’ve got big ears to listen to people and help them out in every way. I’ve got a big heart, and I want everybody involved. To enjoy their life and be happy. I guess that’s just kind of what my mom and dad taught me, and I continue on.
“My career’s connected me with many generations of families and businesses across Canada, and I’ve learned the importance of listening and building trust and treating people with respect, and that’s a quality that I honestly think I carry on through my life.“
He’s got a Facebook page here and began his door-knocking campaign this month.
“So we’ll be that with my friends and family because I do have a great team. Everything’s done, I think, with a great, great bit of help in this. And I do have a lot of family and friends that are going to help me go door to door, putting these door knockers on and letting people know who I am and what I want to be for them.
“When I would go away sometimes, I’d come home, and my wife would say, ‘ Where have you been?’ And I said, well, I’ve been talking to people. And that’s just the type of person I am; I listen. And I will be there to help everybody.
“I’ll be front and center for anybody who comes and wants to talk to me, and that’s why I’m running as a candidate, because I believe in St. Thomas. I believe in its potential, and I believe in its people and its future.
“I lived a life of service, and I’m ready to continue this in a different type of service for the people of St. Thomas. It’s one where I can help and strengthen our community, support our essential services, and ensure that St. Thomas remains a place that we all – and I honestly mean that, all – are proud to call St. Thomas home.”
Brisson added,
“Everything I want to do is for the youth, the adults, the seniors, and I am a part of that category. And now we have another, our homeless people.
“Housing is a big factor that has come up so many times. The need for appropriate housing, not necessarily million-dollar homes. We need a broad spectrum of homes for all families.”
We asked Brisson if he had a campaign slogan.
Brisson has a promise for the constituents of St. Thomas.
“I’ll always be a counsellor who you will be able to talk to and who will spend your tax dollar wisely and carefully. I promise you, the citizens of St. Thomas, that I will work hard for you.”
Written by Ian McCallum
