Genuine John Millson – Why He Should be Windsor’s Next Mayor

Genuine John Millson – Why He Should be Windsor’s Next Mayor

Tomorrow is Election Day and my hat is off to those brave souls who enter the public arena only to endure intense media scrutiny that is sometimes personal and sometimes political.   Add in digital and social media and suddenly everyone has a platform to weigh in on their personal views of the candidates.  

So, with this endless amount of opinion and data, what can you truly believe?

For the mayoral election in Windsor I can’t speak to all of the candidates but I can, without question, speak to one: John Millson.

Why? Well, because he is my dad.

So, this is my first-hand perspective of John Millson, from someone who knows him well.

If I had to summarize the man in one word, I would choose “genuine”. He genuinely cares about people and he loves the city of Windsor, more than you can imagine.

On Announcing His Candidacy for Mayor of Windsor

Throughout the summer months, I knew John was contemplating running for office again, however, I wrongly chose to ignore it.  And when I was finally confronted by John about my opinion on the mayoral race, I will honestly admit that I was firmly against him running. I kept thinking that he has nothing to prove, he has a great career and he and my mom have a fantastic and busy life.  Isn’t this just asking for a heavy and troublesome burden?

Knowing full well that I was alone in my opinion and the proverbial ‘wet blanket’ of the Millson clan, I finally asked John, “Why on earth do you want to do this?”

Silence ensued.

Then very calmly and sternly he replied to me, “Because I know I can help.”

At that moment it all finally clicked.  I saw what the rest of my family had already seen.  He never stopped caring at a deep level about this city.  He loves Windsor and regardless of what job he goes to every day, he will always feel a huge sense of responsibility for the city.  Quite simply, he cares.  A lot. There are no hidden agendas here people.  Just genuine John Millson.

Circa 1989  - 91: A Tireless John

When John was elected mayor of Windsor I was 12. The two key things that I can recollect from 1989 to 1991 were:

1. That he loved his job

2. That he worked tirelessly without complaint

He felt personally responsible for the city and all who reside in it.  Our home number was listed in the phonebook and John took calls from Windsor residents’ at any time (I remember a few in the middle of the night!).  And what I reflect on most is that he was always happy to take them.  John rarely misses an opportunity to connect with people.   One of the amazing things about him is that he always makes time to listen.

A normal weekend back in those days would involve my mother packing clothes for 3 or 4 different events in one day.  Jeans for a local baseball game, business suit for a launch and an evening gown for a charity event.  I doubt John ever turned down an event where his presence was requested

A True Family Man

John has always been the centre of our Brady Bunch family.  With 4 kids, a house full of extended friends and family and a plethora of pets, our house was a bit of a zoo growing up.  I truly enjoyed reading the article about  “A Day in the Life of John Millson (from The Windsor Star)”.  I felt it was an accurate portrayal of his daily life at that time and, for the record, I would have been the one eating the brownies for breakfast!

Despite his numerous community and business commitments, I can’t recall a time that John wasn’t there for his family. He never missed a swim meet, he singlehandedly moved me into a plethora of dorm rooms and apartments, he performed every home repair that I ever needed, and was front and centre at all of my graduation ceremonies.  We all adore and love him. That is why it is no coincidence that his two grandsons share his name.  

Mentor & Inspirational Leader

My success in life is a direct result of John’s mentorship, influence and support.

His love, charisma, vision and leadership inspire me in all that I do.  Even at a young age, he brought me to different events to meet and spend time with the business leaders of Windsor. His selflessness and love of community motivated me to get engaged in federal, provincial and municipal elections, canvassing door to door and anxiously anticipating the day that I would turn 18 so that I could cast my own vote.  John taught me that voting is a privilege and I have never missed an election.  

To this day, John never misses an opportunity to tell his family how proud he is of us.  He made me believe I could do whatever I set my mind to and his unwavering support and encouragement has been the single biggest influence in my success in business and more importantly in life.

And what is my favourite business lesson that my Dad taught me? While it may seem trivial to some, he taught me the art of the solid handshake.  That is one lesson I use every single day!

In Summary

Whether you agree with John’s politics or not, it is important you know that John considers all of Windsor to be part of his family, and as such he truly wants to wrap his arms around this city and continue to make it a better place.  As with many things, there are no simple fixes and it will take hard work, passion and commitment to make a change. 

So, take it from someone that knows him well - John Millson is up for that job.  He is genuine and has so much to offer the City of Windsor.  And similar to my family members as well as many others both inside and outside of Windsor, I am a true John Millson fan and supporter.  Always have been and always will be.  I am lucky to have him and so is his city.