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Porterdale manager to return
Fox meets with council members, takes back resignation
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Amber Pittman
Updated: Dec 2, 2008, 10:00 AM
Published: Nov 21, 2008, 12:51 AM

Porterdale City Manager Tom Fox rescinded his resignation at Wednesday night’s called meeting, according to Mayor Bobby Hamby.

Fox was not offered a contract like he initially wanted because the city’s charter would have to be changed, said Hamby.

"That’s something the city attorney is researching," Hamby said. "It is something we are looking into doing at a later date that would give him [Fox] assurance."

Hamby continued, saying he believed Fox has done a good job as city manager and that the city "desperately needs him right now."

"I think it was kind of a bad time for him to be leaving with the situation the city is in," Hamby said. "So I am pleased he’s staying, personally."

Fox met with and spoke privately with council members last week  after receiving several calls and support from members of the community. According to Fox the meetings helped him to make his decision.

"Most of my concerns were addressed," he said. "I hope to have a renewed effort with the council to work together to create a professional atmosphere on the council that will ultimately benefit the community."

Fox also said the council is looking into a way to offer him an employment agreement of some sort at a later date.

"I think they see the need for one," he said.

 

 
Eric Russell announces candidacy for Porterdale City Council Post 1
Eric Russell
Eric Russell - photo by Special Photo
Special to The News
Updated: Aug 15, 2023, 6:12 PM
Published: Aug 15, 2023, 8:53 PM

PORTERDALE, Ga. – Eric Russell, resident of Porterdale, officially declared his candidacy for the position of Post 1 with the city council of Porterdale.  He and his wife moved to Porterdale and purchased one of the mill houses within Porterdale’s Historic District in 2022. He stated, “We loved the charm and character of not only the houses, but also the history behind what Porterdale had been, along with the possibility of what the village could become.

I retired from law enforcement after 27 years and have always felt called toward public service.  I saw running for city council as a way to continue that service in the community, albeit in a much different role.”  Russell had begun a career in law enforcement in 1988 and had served in numerous areas within the Wichita Falls Police Department in Texas, including being a Crimes Against Persons detective as well as being promoted through the ranks of the department until retiring in 2015 as the Captain over the Patrol Division.

“I had been tasked with the implementation of the in-car computer system for the department prior to retirement and am proud of having successfully helped bring that department into the modern age of policing through the use of a computerized dispatching and report writing system.”  Russell also said, “I feel I have skills within the area of long term logistical planning that can be beneficial for the village of Porterdale in order to help continue to move toward a future that will reflect growth as well as keeping the nuances of the past that were formed by having the mill here in the community.”  

Russell stated that his vision would be to promote progress, preservation and prosperity here within the village while maintaining a sound fiscal position. 

“I have talked to many people and asked a lot of questions especially given the past legacies of the village.  I have attended almost every council meeting, including the annual planning retreat in order to become aware of as much information as possible before deciding to run for a council post.  I believe that civic duty calls for dedication and the donation of personal time in order to make a difference in people’s lives.”