Sonora Mayor Looks Forward
The City of Sonora’s Mayor Hank Russell was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
This is Russell’s second time serving as Mayor, previously filling the role from 2006-08.
Russell and his wife moved to Sonora from the bay area in 1998.
“We saw a beautiful spanish style home in Sonora and I decided to retire from my job (in the bay area) that very week.”
Russell was appointed last July by outgoing Mayor Bill Canning, and then confirmed by a vote of the City Council.
Russell says he is pleased to take on the challenge, and feels the city is currently on the right track during these tough financial times.
“We have had a tight budget this year, and a slight surplus,” he says. “So thankfully we are not in dire straits like some cities in the state. But this has come as a result of hard work, pay cuts and difficult sacrifices”
“I think the city’s biggest challenge over the next couple of years will continue to be financial,” he adds. “The state’s taking of the redevelopment agency didn’t do us any good, and there are always unfunded mandates coming down from Sacramento.”
Russell adds that the planned widening of Mono Way is one of the larger immediate projects on the city’s horizon, and is pleased that it is scheduled to begin construction during his time in office.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.
