Joseph Kushner, a long-serving council member in St. Catharines, Ontario, has garnered various nicknames over his nearly 50-year tenure. Referred to as “Doctor No,” “Professor Negative,” “Frosty the No-man,” and “No Joe Kushner,” he proudly stands by his reputation for being frugal with taxpayer funds. Kushner, 85, has announced his retirement from council and also plans to step down from his role as an economics professor at Brock University to focus on caring for his wife and addressing his health concerns following brain tumor surgery.
Councilor Matt Harris lauds Kushner’s legacy of fiscal conservatism and community contributions, emphasizing his tendency to prioritize practicality over flashy expenditures. To commemorate his retirement, a second edition biography titled “Canada’s Longest-Serving Councillor” has been released. Co-author Wesley Turner, a former colleague of Kushner, highlights the significance of documenting Kushner’s unparalleled 50-year service in municipal politics.
The biography delves into Kushner’s tenure working under seven different mayors, with the co-authors reflecting on the inclusion of photos in the book as a point of contention. While Kushner leans towards visual aids, Turner initially resisted, eventually conceding to incorporating images in an appendix. Among the featured photos is a young Kushner playing the accordion to teach his German Shepherds to sing.
Beyond his political career, Kushner’s passion for animals, antique telephones, and Ukrainian cuisine distinguishes him. Known for his involvement with “The Kushner Cat Corner” at the Humane Society and his affinity for Flemish giant rabbits, Kushner’s eclectic interests also extend to collecting antique telephones and sharing wartime trivia. He is a regular at St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic church, indulging in homemade pierogies and cabbage rolls, a nod to his Ukrainian heritage.
For those intrigued by Kushner’s multifaceted life, copies of his biography are available for purchase at the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, with proceeds supporting the animal shelter. His diverse interests and unwavering dedication to his community have left a lasting impact on St. Catharines and beyond.
