Former Conservative MP Joe Preston will stand as Mayor of St. Thomas – London

A prominent figure in St. Thomas's political life is making a comeback

Former Conservative MP for Elgin-Middlebad-London, Joe Preston, announced Tuesday morning that he was a candidate for the post of mayor of St. Thomas.

Preston, 63 He represented St. Thomas for four terms and 11 years as a member of Parliament in Stephen Harper's government. The longtime MP announced before the 2015 elections that he would not run for reelection. Karen Vecchio, Preston's executive badistant for 7 years, ran in her place and won easily.

Preston spoke to supporters on the steps of the St. Thomas Town Hall after he officially signed up for the race. ] Doug Ford is appointed Premier of Ontario and Appoints Cabinet of 21

"As an employer and owner of a local business, I know that local taxpayers would like to see more of the 39, jobs and more housing. I'm listening and I agree with a lot that we can accomplish more by working together to do more. It will take a capable person who knows how to be an effective voice for St. Thomas, "he said.

Preston joins Steve Wookey, St. Thomas Councilor, and rap artist Malichi Male Mayor Heather Jackson said that she was considering re-election, but that she had not filed her nomination paper.

The former MP should promote his conservative relations by saying that St. Thomas needs a mayor – things are done "now that there is a new government in power at Queen's." Park.

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"We now have an advantage with a cabinet minister as a local MP," said Preston. "There is a new culture at Queen's Park and we will have to take the new direction to bring direct benefits to local residents and businesses."

Preston's been busy since his retirement from politics in 2015. He co-founded Living Vive Granola soon after leaving politics and saw the success quickly. The granola made from local farms has spread to a number of local supermarkets. He remained active in politics, and in 2016 he was elected to the National Council of Federal Conservatives.

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M. Preston also owns and operates a Wendy's Pizza and Boston in St. Thomas. The owner of the local business is well known for being active in the community's efforts and charity. He has volunteered with United Way, the Great Lakes International Air Show and has worked with the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce and Farmtown Canada

Preston is not the only former politician to do his return this fall to St. Thomas. . Former Liberal MP Steve Peters, the former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, filed his documents in front of the City Council

The voters of St. Thomas go to the polls on October 22nd.