LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Chances are you know where Hal Heiner and Greg Fischer stand on the issues, but what makes them tick? The best people to tell us that are their families. WHAS11's Rachel Platt begins with Greg Fischer and how the ‘G’ in Greg could also stand for glee, global and Greek.
The family shows photo of the Fischer's taken when everyone still lived at home, but now Eleni works in Washington, George attends Emory University, Nick's at the University of Miami, and only Mary is still at home, a sophomore at Assumption. Greg and his wife, Alex, are almost empty nesters.
They use words like loving and eccentric to describe their family. Alex describes her husband as positive and says voters shouldn't judge him until they know him and people can be quick to misconceive.
Here's what we do know: Greg Fischer was born in Louisville, went to high school at Trinity, then majored in economics at Vanderbilt and would go onto to co-invent an automated ice and beverage dispenser known as Servend. At his home in the Highlands, he enjoys an urban garden and has a bit of a green thumb.
Money from slinging salmon in Alaska would help pay for college and a trip around the world, part of his global perspective. His wife, Alex Gerassimides, would expand that global view to include everything Greek! Alex, the daughter of Greek immigrants who fled their country after civil war, would attend Berea College and she met Greg when she came to Louisville for medical school. She'd win his global heart by liking reggae music on their first date.
Greg compares his life to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” especially when his in-laws from Greece come and stay, usually for six to nine months. Greg's parents were born and raised in Louisville. Greg is one of six children from a wealthy family, but says his parents always told him “Always help somebody and don't ask what's in it for you.”
His mom enjoyed pictures when WHAS11 visited, and his dad helped Greg with grill duties. His father, a community leader, is obviously proud of his son.
While is Greg’s family has a lot of reasons why he would make a goof mayor, Mary says her father’s love of the show Glee makes her dad hip, at least one night a week.
Greg’s family says hearing criticism about your dad or husband is always the toughest part of a campaign.
Wednesday WHAS11 will present Hal Heiner and his family.
