Pontiac Mayor Russell to step down

Posted on July 2, 2019
Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell has served in the city’s government for 27 years. (Photo courtesy WJEZ)

 

By Neil Doyle

PONTIAC – The mayor of Pontiac has announced his resignation.

Bob Russell informed the city council of his decision at Monday night’s meeting. He’ll step down as mayor starting July 31.

“Having served as mayor of the city of Pontiac for the past 10 plus years has been an unbelievably wonderful experience that I will never forget,” said Russell in his letter of resignation.

Russell, who has held the position since 2009, told WJBC’s Todd Wineburner he didn’t serve as mayor for the money.

“This is something you do because you love the community. The people in this community work together so well and what I’ve seen happen here in the last 10-15 years is nothing short of a miracle,” said Russell.

In his letter of resignation, Russell said he is proud of the business development around the city.  He also notes the development of the Route 66 phenomena that brings people from all over to visit Pontiac.

Prior to becoming mayor, Russell served as a city council alderman for 17 years.  He has been a Pontiac resident for more than three decades.

The city council will have 60 days to name a new mayor.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…