Phil Ryerson doesn’t care that he’s a longshot to become the city’s next mayor.

“Life is a longshot,” says the 49-year-old single parent, “and I’m a fighter.”

Ryerson is a stay-at-home dad caring for his 11-year-old handicapped son.

The former doorman and cab driver sees himself as an outsider and an “in-your-face guy,” who won’t be afraid to push for change and fight for the little guy at city hall.

Ryerson would also like to see a two-term limit placed on the mayor and councillors, “so other people can get a chance.”

And he wants to see all of Hamilton council agree to drug tests so there is no chance the city can run into problems like Toronto has with its mayor, Rob Ford.

Nine candidates are in the running to replace Mayor Bob Bratina.

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