Meet Newtown Township Supervisor Candidate Michael Russo Jr

Michael F. Russo Jr. - Newtown Supervisor

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Wife Kim 51, Daughter Reese 15, 9th Grade; Daughter Sienna, 8th Grade; Son Michael 12, 6th grade

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering - Valparaiso University

Occupation

East Coast Director for an Industrial Construction Company, 34 years of experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Newtown Supervisor

Campaign website

none

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office to continue to improve the services delivered by the Township and keep taxes low.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Preserving Open Space for the future. As an example when our local volunteer fire company needed to relocate, it purchased a property in a residential neighborhood at the corner of Saw Mill Road and SR252. The local residents were very concerned. i led the Board of Supervisors effort to find a different location, coordinating with a local developer to find a location in a mixed use area. The Township then took the opportunity to purchase the Saw Mill Road property to preserve as open space.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have worked with towns and cities up and down the east coast to sensibly develop commercial and industrial properties for over 30 years. I have worked with Planning, Zoning and Town Boards of both major parties to accomplish this development. Therefore I have the experience to hold developers accountable to the Township.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Keep Taxes low.
Continue to preserve open space
Improve existing parks
Continue to improve services to the residents

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Relocation of the fire house
Preservation of open space
Supported the accreditation of the Township police department

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Keep your head down, work hard and everything will fall into place.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Newtown Square for 16 years