Vice mayor steps down in Greenwood

By Andrew Sharp

Greenwood Vice Mayor Willard Russell announced Wednesday at the town meeting that he would be stepping down effective Thursday, April 14, because he is moving out of town.

As is standard practice, the Greenwood charter requires Council members to be town residents.

A former mayor, Russell has been a fixture in town leadership for decades. He first served on Town Council starting in 1990, then began another term in 2007 that has lasted until now, according to a campaign letter sent to constituents before this year's election. Russell served as mayor from 2008 to 2011. He has also been a longtime member of the fire company auxiliary.

"I would like to thank everyone that has allowed me to serve in many positions within the town government over the years," Russell said in a written statement to the Council.

The town will now need to appoint someone to fill the seat until it comes up for election again. Russell won another two-year term in January.