Township of Russell Appoints a New Mayor

April 30, 2024 – Council voted to appoint Mike Tarnowski as Mayor during the April 29th, 2024, Regular Council meeting. Mike Tarnowski is hereby appointed Mayor of the Township of Russell effective May 27, 2024, and for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term ending on November 14, 2026.

The office of the Mayor of the Township of Russell was declared vacant on April 15, 2024, effective April 19, 2024, as per report CSAS-CL-2024-02. In a decisive move during the recent Council meeting, Mike Tarnowski was chosen to lead the community forward, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the position.

Mike Tarnowski has been an active member of the community for many years before being elected as Councillor in 2018, serving as a member of the Township’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Advisory Committee from 2002-2006 and more recently as an active member of the Russell Township Library Board from 2010-2018, holding the role of board chair between 2014-2018. He is a career educator currently holding the role of academic chair with the School of Business and Hospitality at Algonquin College and holds an MBA from the Gordon S Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph. With a deep understanding of the Township's needs and a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement, he is well-equipped to fulfill the responsibilities of Mayor.

In response to his appointment, Mike Tarnowski expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving the residents of the Township of Russell, stating, "I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the role of Mayor. I look forward to working closely with Council members, staff, and community to address the challenges and opportunities facing our Township."

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Township of Russell, Richard Godin, conveyed support for the new Mayor, affirming, " We are confident that as Mayor, Councillor Tarnowski will continue to lead our community with vision. His demonstrated commitment aligns perfectly with our strategic goals, building on our legacy of a connected and sustainable community."

The Mayor’s Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance will take place at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled for May 27, 2024. Until then, Councillor Jamie Laurin will continue his duties as Acting Mayor. The Councillor seat will then be declared vacant, and Council will have 60 days from that date to decide how to fill this seat, either by appointment or with a by-election.

For further information, please contact the Clerk’s office at clerk.greffe@russell.ca.