The election signs covering Ray Monteith's lawn convey his feelings about the present state of government in Ontario.

"I'm mad as hell and voting Freedom Party" they shout at passersby.

His son Tim Monteith says the Freedom Party logo is perfect for his father.

"I think he's making a statement that a lot of people would like to make," he says. "I guess he's always been a fighter."

Born and raised in St. Thomas, Ray Monteith admits he was originally a die- hard Progressive Conservative.

But after a number of PC governments came and went Ray changed his mind. When the Freedom Party emerged in the mid-1980s he decided to get involved.

He thinks there is too much government intervention in the lives of Canadians.

"I believe in the right to choose. There's too much governments he says. "I feel the Russians are clamoring to get out of a police state and we're clamoring to get into one."

Tim says his father is unique in the sense he will stand up for what he believes in despite the consequences.

"When he believes in something he doesn't mind to stand up and be counted," he says.

Friend Lorene Lowes also notes this characteristic about the candidate.

"He's not a yes person at all and he has his own ideas," she says. "He believes in what he believes in." Though he didn't fare too well during the last provincial campaign, Ray is optimistic about this time around.

He is busy canvassing by himself door to door around St. Thomas. His only helper in the area is Aylmer resident Allen Shelly who distributed some signs.

Former coworker Leonard Neville met Ray in 1929 when both men worked in the railyards. Mr. Neville says Ray is one of the most honest men he knows.

"He's what you call a real friend I guess, not a fly-by- night friend."

Tim says though he doesn't expect his father to win the election, he is very proud of his efforts.

"I think he's sort of like a voice in the wilderness," he says. "If people stop and listen to what he is saying they would realize he has a very basic grasp of what this country needs to get back on track."

He remembers his father as a very caring person, totally devoted to his four adopted children.

"I don't believe my natural father could have loved me more than he loved me," he says.

Ray and his wife cared for more than 150 children in Elgin County as foster parents.

Miss Lowes says Ray is a very loyal person, a strong attribute as a candidate.

"He's a very loyal friend," she says. "He stands by you when you're in trouble."