Jean-Serge: Brisson's After-Election Message

(Delivered by telephone on the evening of Monday, November 13th, 2000 to Tom-Joseph: Kennedy)

Jean-Serge Brisson is still in debtor's prison. He telephoned me at 5:30 PM this afternoon. He said: "Would you please share this message with the voters of Russell Township and with the readers at The Cyberclass Network?"

I agreed, so here is Jean-Serge's message:

"My Dear Friends:

On Friday, November 10th, neither of two Crown Attorneys would give consent to my release from "debtor's prison" pending my Notice of Appeal which was filed on that day. This is surprising since my lawyer has explained to me that the threshold for release of someone pending Appeal is very low. I am wondering if the Crown Attorneys wanted to make sure that I was kept in jail until after November 13th, 2000?

To emphasize the meaning of what is happening I have been told repeatedly that if you run a campaign based on truth you will never get elected. Since 1988 when I ran  my first election campaign I have based my all of my political campaigns on truth. I have run twice for a provincial seat, twice for a federal seat and this was the third time for a municipal seat.

There are always a number of voters who disprove the experts. I always aim to prove that it is indeed possible to run a municipal campaign and win based on truth. Now, I am not saying that those who voted for me are in full support of the issues that I am challenging BUT you are telling those who are in authority that you agree with the reasons why I take a stand on the issues that I do.

I am known as a person who contests authority and I want to make it clear that I only contest those in authority who feel they have to answer to no one.

Tonight, those who voted for me have proven to be the best jury anyone could have. I thank every voter in Russell Township who exercised their right to vote today. Sharing in this exercise of democracy makes my time in debtor's prison easier to endure while the Crown Attorneys talk about consenting to my release pending my Notice of Appeal which has already been filed.

I extend my sincere congratulations to the new Council of Russell Township
and I trust that each of you will perform to the very best of your ability for the next three years.

Good Night
Jean-Serge: Brisson"