RUSS FOX
SOUTHWICK – Russell S. Fox has been serving the town of Southwick since high school and continues that service today as the chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Fox is hoping to remain involved in town government and announced he is seeking re-election in May.
“It has been a great honor to have served as a member of the Board of Selectman and I am asking the voters of Southwick to allow me to continue working for them and our community,” he said. “I believe the Board has achieved positive results while working with other boards, commissioners and town staff, that will benefit our town now and in the future.”
Fox said giving back to the community was always just what his family did.
“We were brought up to be involved in the community, that it’s our obligation,” said Fox. “And I enjoy it – I’m proud that I am part of the community.”
Fox said there are more tough economic times ahead and a small town like Southwick has to be innovative.
“We need to look at our economic development,” he said. “We are small, but we have tremendous quality of life to offer. I think we need to consider partnerships between the public and private sectors moving forward.”
Fox acknowledged some turmoil among the board members over the past few years, but said they are “getting back to the issues,” especially town infrastructure.
“Our roads, culverts and bridges need work,” he said. “We have limited funding so we have to prioritize. Our new management team in town government is already looking at ways to provide needed services, but with an appreciation of limited tax dollars available due to the shrinking state and federal funding.”
Fox said over the next three years he would like to see the Board of Selectman increase efforts to address the needs of the town’s aging roads, culverts and bridges.
“Like most communities, Southwick’s road infrastructure needs work.”
Limited funding and increase costs have backlogged needed repairs and improvements.
“Working as a team we need to and can develop a plan to address these issues,” he said.
Fox said he was “energized” that the candidates for governor have all pledged that when state revenues increase, so will local aid.
“I’m optimistic,” he said. “We’re going to find different ways and plans and ideas to do things, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Fox and his wife Susan have a daughter Julia. He also has two step-children, Tom and Nichole, and one grandchild, Sadie.
He is a life-long resident of Southwick and lives on the family farm with his wife, daughter and mother-in-law Joan Whipkey on Davis Road.
Fox received his Bachelor of Science degree in management from Babson College.
While at Babson he majored in Management and Organizational Behavior andAmerican History. He owns and operates with his family, Fox Farms / The Southwick Florist.
Fox has served the community while on the Finance Committee,Economic Development Commission and the Board of Assessors, in addition to the Board of Selectmen.
