Joseph Kushner has garnered numerous monikers in his almost half-century tenure on the council in St. Catharines, Ontario. Known as “Doctor No,” “Professor Negative,” “Frosty the No-man,” and “No Joe Kushner,” he proudly embraces his reputation for being prudent with taxpayers’ money, equating their funds to his own. At 85 years old, Kushner has decided to step down from his council position and retire as an economics professor at Brock University to care for his wife and attend to his health, having overcome brain tumor surgery.
Councilor Matt Harris lauds Kushner for his fiscal conservatism and lasting impact on the community. Harris highlights Kushner’s distinction in not impulsively supporting new initiatives, setting him apart from his peers. To commemorate his retirement, a revised biography titled “Canada’s Longest-Serving Councillor” has been released, chronicling Kushner’s tenure under seven mayors.
Co-author Wesley Turner, a former colleague of Kushner at Brock University, recounts the inception of Kushner’s political journey in 1976 and the subsequent realization of his unparalleled service duration. Turner emphasizes the significance of documenting Kushner’s narrative while he is still alive, given his record-breaking achievement as Canada’s longest-serving municipal councilor.
The biography’s co-authors had a minor disagreement over the inclusion of photographs, with Kushner advocating for their addition to enhance the storytelling. Eventually, a compromise was reached, allocating the photos to an appendix. One of the captivating images depicts a young Kushner playing the accordion to train his German Shepherds to sing.
Beyond his political legacy, Kushner’s devotion to animals, antique telephones, and culinary delights like cabbage rolls underscore his multifaceted persona. His involvement as a board director at the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, particularly in “The Kushner Cat Corner,” showcases his love for animals, particularly Flemish giant rabbits. Additionally, his penchant for collecting vintage telephones and sharing wartime anecdotes adds depth to his character.
For those intrigued by Kushner’s life story, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara is offering copies of the biography for $20, with proceeds benefiting the animal shelter. This initiative aims to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of Kushner’s life beyond his extensive public service.
In sum, Joseph Kushner’s retirement marks the end of an era characterized by unwavering fiscal responsibility and community dedication, leaving a lasting imprint on St. Catharines and beyond.