8 Friday, July 15, 2022 brooklintowncrier.com Don Mitchell is stepping down this October as Whitby mayor after seven terms in public office, first as the north ward and regional councillor and then mayor, probably one of the longest serving and widest ranging public servants the Town has had. The Brooklin Town Crier sat down with him in June to get answers to a few questions as he looks back on his years in office. Here are his comments, in his words: You practiced law for a few years then left the profession to return to Brooklin. What drew you back, or away from law? I practiced law in Guelph for seven years and it was fine. My dad and uncle owned the lumber business in town and were ready to retire and close it down. So, if I want- ed to give it a try, I had to make a decision. There have been no regrets or looking back. I enjoyed the lumber business and it led to an opportunity to join council. It is a great place to live and raise a family. You became a local ward councillor in 1994. Why? In 1991, Ross Batten was the local councillor for the Brooklin area but he had decided to run for regional council. He encouraged me to run and thought I would enjoy it. I ran, won, and found I did enjoy it. Did you ever consider provincial or federal politics? I have not really considered provincial or federal politics for a few reasons. First, though I ended up spending 28 years on council, I always had competing interests A Reflection: Mayor Don Mitchell's Life in Whitby Politics continued on page 9 #1 Realtor in All of Durham Region!* 107 Strandmore Cr, Brooklin 42 Queen St, Brooklin 141 Carnwith Dr E, Brooklin 307 Cachet Blvd, Brooklin 1578 Otonobee Dr, Pickering 21 Royal Pines Crt, Bowmanville 10 James St, Brooklin 43 Ault Cres, Brooklin 22 Loughlin Hill Cres, Ajax 71 Watford St, Brooklin 6 Derby Crt, Brooklin 117 Rivers Edge Pl, Whitby Coming Soon! For Sale! SOLD! Coming Soon! For Sale! Coming Soon! SOLD! For Sale! SOLD! Brooklin is Tanya Tierney Country! *Based on RE Stats Inc. Data for Toronto MLS Volume Sold Jan to Dec 2021* Call or Text: 905.706.3131 office@tanyatierneyteam.com 49 Baldwin St. Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! SOLD! 905.655.6200 • www.brooklineyecare.ca All Prescription & In-Stock Sunglasses are 30% off! Including brand name products. Coach Mitchell is at centre in the background