Jeff Russell, Republican candidate for the District 12 position in the Chautauqua County Legislature, is pictured with his wife, Jamie, and his children.

Jeff Russell, a 23-year officer with the Jamestown Police Department and three-term Jamestown City Council member, is running for the Chautauqua County Legislature in District 12.

During his time on the council, Russell has served as chairman of the Public Safety Committee and the city’s Health Insurance Committee, a position where Russell worked with union leaders to save the city hundred of thousands of dollars while also delivering more affordable, better health care coverage to retirees. Russell has also been a member of the Board of Public Utilities board and the Jamestown Local Development Corporation.

Russell said his time on the council included work to increase the income limit for senior citizens that provided city tax relief, helped distribute $28 million in ARPA funding that included $7 million for homeowners to perform home repairs and supporting new police and fire department equipment.

Russell has an associate’s degree from the State University at Brockport as well as additional college courses, has trained at the North American Institute of Aviation, earning an F.A.A. Commercial Pilots License with Instrument Rating, is a graduate of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy with New York State Certification, served 23 years with the Jamestown Police Department including 10 years on the SWAT team, and served as a field training officer.

Russell said, if elected, he will advocate for public safety and community wellness, support the repeal and replacement of New York state bail reform, support economic development and job creation, encourage demolition of unsafe homes that are beyond repair and support legislation on the county and state level banning predatory absentee landlords that have open housing code violations or back property taxes not allowing them to purchase more properties at the county tax auction.

Russell lives in Jamestown with his wife Jamie. They have two children and a grandchild.

“My wife Jamie and I have built a life rooted in community and service” Russell said. “We have raised two wonderful children and recently welcomed our first grandchild a blessing who reminds us every day why strong leadership and a safe, vibrant future matter so much. Jamestown is my home. It’s where I’ve lived, worked, raised my family, and built lasting relationships. I am running for Chautauqua County Legislature to ensure our city continues to move forward through responsible leadership, common sense decision making, and a deep commitment to the people who live here.”