Support him or not, no one can accuse Elliot Lake’s mayor of hiding the truth.
Running for re-election this October, Dan Marchisella took to Facebook this week to address some “dirty campaign” rumours spreading around town. The resulting write-up is an absolute rarity in politics: a brutally honest candidate who doesn’t pretend to be perfect.
Among other things, Marchisella admits he has a criminal record (impaired driving and assault), that he smokes weed every night before bed, and that he believes in UFOs and Bigfoot. “Why not,” he wrote. “The universe is too big to believe we are the only advanced species to evolve.”
Marchisella began his Sunday post by listing some of the dirt locals are slinging his way: Drug addict. Doesn’t live in town. Turns away new restaurants, hotels, stores and other potential investors. Doesn’t attend meetings. Doesn’t care about seniors. Steals money from the city. Biggest cocaine dealer in town.
“Great campaigning,” he wrote, with obvious sarcasm.
“Now I will give you some background on me for those who may not know me well,” the post continues. “Born and raised in Elliot Lake. Have had a job since age 14 doing everything from flipping burgers, school janitor, restaurant manager, video store clerk... to Canadian Forces Armoured Recce, Med Records clerk, Asset Manager for Canadian Special Ops Regiment, Business owner, Mayor and CEO of the corporation.”
Marchisella also notes that he served six years in the Canadian Forces, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he suffered two compressed knees and a broken back.
“Have never missed a council meeting, budget meeting or standing committee, including attending the day after my oldest son’s funeral,” the post continues. “I have had heart issues over the last few years that have been resolved. I do have a criminal record, DUI in 2000 and no, I was not driving or even in my car but couldn’t afford legal counsel. Assault in 2005 for protecting an Army friend who was thrown to the ground by two guys calling him a ‘fag,' I stepped in swinging and don’t regret it.”
He goes on: “I quit taking my prescribed chemical pain meds (3 pills @ 3 times daily) and instead smoke a joint (marijuana) every night before bed which is much better than pills. I swear too much, smoke cigarettes and sometimes have a social drink with friends. I spend as much free time as I can in the woods because I love the outdoors. I'm spiritual not religious, there’s too many gods to choose from. I'm not prejudice in any way, don't care what colour, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion you are, we’re all human.”
As for the rumour he doesn’t live in town, Marchisella insists that's not true, either. His family owns an off-grid property north of the city that he plans to rebuild in time for retirement, but for now, home is an Elliot Lake subdivision.
“If there's anything that anyone wants to use from this [post], please feel free,” he writes. “I’d rather people hate me for the truth than something made up.”
Three other candidates are running to be Elliot Lake's mayor: Chris Patrie, Geraldine Robinson and Mike Thomas.
Marchisella's full Facebook post is below.