Russell selected as Cloverdale mayor

<p>Cloverdale has a new mayor.</p><p>Carol Russell, a retired businesswoman, is the unanimous choice of her colleagues to serve as the titular head of Sonoma County's northenmost city for the next year.</p><p>Councilwoman Jessalee Raymond was chosen vice-mayor at the meeting Wednesday night.</p><p>Russell, 65, was elected to the council three years ago on a platform that emphasized attracting jobs, the need to establish an urban growth boundary and opposing a proposed casino.</p><p>She steps into the mayoral role at a time when Cloverdale faces ever-increasing budget challenges.</p><p>Outgoing mayor Joe Palla said Thursday that since 2006 the city has reduced its work force by 10 percent. The city manager recently proposed more reductions that would bring that to an 18 percent reduction.</p><p>Cloverdale's financial situation is more precarious than many other cities in that it essentially has no reserves left in the general fund to cover budget shortfalls.</p><p>The proposed cuts include positions in public works, engineering and clerical staff. And a vacant position in the police department created by retirement would not be filled, bringing to two the number of frozen vacant positions, Palla said.</p><p>As a councilmember, Russel serves on several local committees and regional boards. She is on the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Directors and on the board of the Sonoma County Transportation Authority.</p><p>Prior to being elected to the council she co-founded Russell Staffing, a chain specializing in work force and organizational development. She is a past president of Marin chapter of National Women's Political Caucus and co-founder and producer of North Bay Pride Music Festival.</p>