Bonnie E Russell

Honorable Bonnie E. Russell was elected in 2003 by 58% of the vote to a four year term as University District Common Council Member. She was sworn into office on the Buffalo Common Council in January 2004 and is currently the only female representative on the 9-member Council. Common Council Member Russell was elected unanimously by her colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore, where she presided over the Common Council in the absence of the Council President, during the term January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007. She is the first African-American female to serve in this capacity. Common Council Member Russell relocated to Buffalo from Columbus, Ohio in 1985. While in Columbus, Ohio, Common Council Member Russell was employed by the State Auditor of Ohio and also the Governor of Ohio, collectively for nine years. After relocating to Buffalo, she was employed in the private sector prior to her employment with the City of Buffalo. Her professional work history includes over 25 years of government experience at local, state and federal government levels. Common Council Member Russell truly believes that all her blessings come from God. She reminds herself daily that she was elected to public office to serve the residents in the University District, and the City of Buffalo as a whole. She has an obligation to serve her constituents to the best of her ability. Common Council Member Russell is in her first year of a second four year term, and, God willing will seek re-election in 2011. Councilmember Russell is married to Judge Robert T. Russell, Jr. Judge Russell presides over the Buffalo Drug Treatment Court and also the Buffalo Mental Health Court. Common Council Member Russell and Judge Russell are the only African-American couple serving in full-time elected office in Western New York. They have three adult children, two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren. The Russell Family worship at Mount Zion Church of God Holiness.