Bob Russell, the mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, known for greeting arriving busloads of Route 66 tourists in his city’s downtown, will voluntarily step down from his position on July 31.
Russell, nicknamed by some as the “Mayor of Route 66,” announced his impending departure during a city council meeting this week. According to the Bloomington Pantagraph:
“Having served as mayor of the city of Pontiac for the last 10-plus years has been an unbelievably wonderful experience that I will never forget,” he said in a prepared statement to the City Council on Monday night. “I have been blessed during that time to work with a dedicated team of people who love the city of Pontiac and who go above the normal call of duty to make Pontiac a great place to live and a great place to visit.” […]
“During my time as mayor, I have seen new business development in our city, as well as the expansion of several existing businesses,” he said. “I have watched our empty downtown buildings be renovated and now occupied with quality stores that attract shoppers from many surrounding towns and cities.”
Russell said he will soon be 72 years old and is at a point in his life where he wants to remain active as a volunteer for city projects.
“At the last mayoral election, I planned not to run,” he told The Pantagraph. “Then, we were told that nobody had filed the petitions to run for mayor, so at the last minute, we got the signatures together to get on the ballot, but I didn’t believe at the time that I would be complete the four-year term.”
The Pontiac Daily Leader printed the full text of Russell’s resignation statement.
Russell also spent 17 years as an alderman in Pontiac before becoming mayor in 2009. The city council will have 60 days to find a replacement.
KC Keefer about four years ago produced this video about Russell for his Genuine Route 66 Life series:
The news of Russell’s imminent departure undoubtedly will spark memories or sadden scores of Route 66 tourists who were greeted by him when they stepped off their tour buses. For many, it was the first memorable contact during their westward Route 66 journeys, and the gesture made a big impression.
Russell’s hospitality proved to be a key element in the renaissance of Pontiac’s downtown and became a model for other Route 66 communities. It probably would be wise that his successor continues the tradition.
Seems like a great guy. I hope he’s able to enjoy his semi-retirement.
My wife and I met Bob Russel last year during our trip along the 66. It was a memorable meeting. We are planning to be in Pontiac at the end of July, so may be just in time to say hello.
Fred from the Netherlands