The race for Brookfield village president in 2013 is officially a three-way affair, now that former village president and perennial candidate Bill Russ has thrown his hat into the ring.
Russ was rumored to be eyeing a run again for Brookfield president in 2013 after losing five straight elections – 2005 (village president), 2007 (village trustee), 2009 (village clerk), 2010 (Cook County commissioner) and 2011 (village trustee).
On his website, Russ made his run for office official, announcing a fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 10 at Ryan’s Public House, 8942 Ogden Ave. in Brookfield. The event is being organized to raise funds for Russ’ political committee, Friends of Bill Russ.
According to the latest report to the Illinois State Board of Elections, filed on Oct. 4, Friends of Bill Russ had a balance of just $39.31.
Russ’ website says the purpose of the fundraiser is to aid his run as an independent candidate for village president of Brookfield. Earlier this year, Russ dissolved his previous political party, VIP, and struck out on his own.
He did not return a call from the Landmark asking for comment on his latest run for office in Brookfield.
His entry into the race could make it interesting for local voters. Known as a hard-working campaigner, Russ may be counting on the other two candidates to split the vote that normally goes to the PEP Party.
Russ’ rivals in the 2013 election, if no one else enters the race, will be PEP Party nominee Kit Ketchmark and former PEP Party stalwart Michael Towner, who broke with the party in September in order to pursue a run at the presidency.
-Bob Uphues
