John Millson

John Millson served as the 31st mayor of Windsor from 1989 until 1991. He was born and raised in Windsor, and attended the J.L. Forster Secondary School. As a local entrepreneur, he ran a successful floral business, and even co-chaired the Queen’s visit in 1984.

His political career started in the West End. He served two terms as a councilman for Ward 2, and ran in the municipal election after his predecessor, David Burr, announced heJohn Millson would not run for re-election. Millson ran against Jerry Woloschuk, and won by a very close margin. His plan to assign each councillor with a major responsibility or a title (e.g., finance “minister”; culture “minister”), although criticized by some, actually increased efficiency and encouraged solid performance by the council. Millson also negotiated a several million dollar worth land deal with Jantree Growth Properties that softened the blow of the auto parts giant Magna International backing away from their own negotiations with the City.

Since leaving the mayor’s office, Millson has served as president of Windsor Raceway and Great Lakes Energy. He made a bid for the mayor’s office again in 2014.

Sources:

Beneteau, M. Millson campaign starts with a bang. The Windsor Star, Mar 24, 1988. Retrieved Apr 17 2018

Chen, D. (2014, Sep 05). Ex-mayor John Millson wants job back; former city boss filing candidacy papers Friday. The Windsor Star, Sep 5, 2014. Retrieved Apr 17 2018

Rennie, G. Millson: Give him ‘A’ for effort. The Windsor Star, Dec 16, 1989 Retrieved Apr 17, 2018

Rennie, G. The changing face of Windsor. The Windsor Star, Jan 30, 1989 Retrieved Apr 17, 2018

Vander Doelen, C. Praise rolls in for John Millson: Can’t ‘do his best,’ he won’t run again. The Windsor Star, Jul 24, 1991. Retrieved Apr 17, 2018