Mike Tarnowski Sworn in as Mayor

The Mayor’s Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance took place at last nights regular Council meeting. Mike Tarnowski is now Mayor of the Township of Russell for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term ending on November 14, 2026.

Mayor’s Acceptance Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed council members, dedicated staff, cherished residents of Russell Township, and my beloved family,

With profound honour and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as our newly sworn-in Mayor. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Mayor, Pierre Leroux, for his invaluable years of dedicated service and to Councillor Laurin for stepping in and supporting the township during this transition period.

As I assume this role, I am reminded of the trust and confidence you have placed in me. This trust is not taken lightly. I am committed to serving Russell Township with integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our shared values.

One of the core values that will guide my tenure as Mayor is the importance of widespread engagement. Our strength lies in our diversity and the active participation of all our residents. I strongly encourage open dialogue, active involvement, and a sense of shared responsibility in shaping the future of our township.

In alignment with this commitment, I pledge to work closely with our council and staff to deliver on our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which focuses on leadership, innovation, sustainability, development, equity, and community health. These strategies will guide our efforts in enhancing economic growth, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.

Fiscal responsibility will be a cornerstone of my administration. We must ensure that every dollar spent is used wisely and efficiently. This means leveraging the optimal use of grants and partnership opportunities to help fund our upcoming major infrastructure projects. By doing so, we can build a resilient and future-ready township without placing undue financial burden on current and future residents.

Finally, and most importantly I would also like to take a moment to thank my wonderful wife Tracy, our two children and their partners. Your unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been my bedrock, and I am profoundly grateful for your understanding and patience as I take on this significant role. Your sacrifices and dedication allow me to serve our community with the commitment it deserves.

As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead are numerous, but so are the opportunities. With your support, engagement, and shared vision, I am confident we can make Russell Township an even better place to live, work, and play.

Thank you for your trust, commitment, and belief in our collective future. Let us build a community that we can all be proud of.

Thank you,
Mayor Mike Tarnowski