BILL RUSS
BACKGROUND - EXPERIENCE

Bill Russ was born to a blue collar working family and raised in Cook County and resides in Brookfield, Illinois for the past 30 years with his wife Barbara and his teenage son Ryan who attends Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois. They are parishioners of St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield. Bill is a Trustee and Former President of the Brookfield VFW Post # 2868 Men's Auxiliary. A current member of the Chicago Crime Commission, a member of the Better Government Association and a member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America. Currently the Chairman of the V.I.P. Party of Brookfield, Illinois.

A small business owner for many years, Bill has managed employees, paid taxes, made payrolls, kept books, run marketing and customer service, and he knows well the importance of small business vitality to the health of our community. Currently a licensed Real Estate Broker and Insurance Administration Consultant in the automotive field.

Bill has over fourteen years of municipal experience. He served as Village President of Brookfield, Illinois from 2001-2005 and as Village Trustee from 1989-1997 and from 1999-2001. He is very familiar with financial reports, municipal budgets, union negotiations, labor relations, prevailing wage rates, fair bidding processes, large infrastructure projects, liquor control issues and laws, long term planning, T.I.F. Districts and the most important of all, dealing fairly and honestly with tax-payers and residents.

Area resident donates his time to VFW and is rewarded

Bill Russ at Veterans Park in Brookfield. Bill was recently named Senior Vice Commander and received a Recognition and Appreciation award at the Brookfield VFW's 75th anniversary. 9-11-08

By Janice Hoppe, Brookfield Suburban Life – Sept. 12, 2008

Former village president Bill Russ recently was elected senior vice commander of the Men’s Auxiliary at the VFW Post 2868.

Russ became a member of the men’s auxiliary about 10 years ago to give something back to the veterans who fought for the country. Russ never served in the military, but was able to join the auxiliary through his father’s military service in World War II and Korea.

“It’s my obligation as an American to pay them back for what they did,” Russ said. “I feel I owe the post and the veterans for preserving freedom.”

At the 75th anniversary picnic Sept. 7, Russ was given the a recognition and appreciation award for his support and involvement in the VFW.

“I still have it in my car and showing people around town,” Russ said.

Russ said he was given the award because he continues to support and do the “little things” for veterans. He said if families needed food, he was there to help them, along with giving money to those in need to pay for their mortgage or other life necessities.

“It is like a family with the veterans,” Russ said. “It is all about helping people.”

VFW Commander Dave Kivi said many awards and certificates were given out that night to people and businesses that have supported the VFW through the years.

“A lot (of awards) were given out because of all the years these people have supported us financially, manpower and coming up with ideas,” Kivi said.

“LET’S NEVER FORGET AND ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR TRUE HEROES”

Never Forget 9-11 Pictures