Selectman running for District 90 seat

WILTON – Russell Black, newly re-elected to the Wilton Board of Selectmen, announces that he is seeking election to the Maine House for District 90, now held by Rep. Tom Saviello. District 90 includes Avon, New Vineyard, Phillips, Strong, Temple, Wilton, as well as Perkins, Washington and Freeman Townships.

Saviello, who is running for a Senate seat, is looking forward to working with Black in Augusta. “I am delighted that Russell is running to take my place”, Saviello said. “He is a man who has worked hard his whole life and knows what it takes to make ends meet. I will be supporting his efforts to win the election”.

Black was born in Farmington 57 years ago. He attended Wilton grade schools, Mt. Blue High School and the Wentworth Institute in Boston. His wife, Susan Austin Black, is the Franklin County Register of Deeds. Black has two daughters, Melissa Newbill, Carrie Lancaster, two sons, John and James Black. He is also a proud grandparent of six grandchildren.

Black is a self-employed farmer, logger and contractor. He has served as a Wilton Selectman for 6 years, worked on the Wilton Planning Board for 19 years and held a seat on the USDA County Committee for 5 years. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for the Farmington Farmers Union, is on the Trustee Board of the East Wilton Union Church, is an active member of the Wilton Fish & Game Association and member of the Maine Tree Farm Association. He also coached little league football, served as past President/Director for the Mt. Blue All Sports Boosters, as well as Vice President of the Franklin County Farm Bureau.

Black was awarded “Franklin County Conservation Farmer of the Year” in 1976 and 2006. He continually finds time to participate in community activities such as the Summer Reading Program at the Wilton Free Public Library and numerous local fundraisers. He is an avid hunter and beekeeper and is known for his willingness to help friends and neighbors.

“My goal is to bring balance back to our state,” said Black. “We need to concentrate on restricting state spending, create methods for funding education in a sensible way and focus on finding affordable health care for small businesses. We need to improve in these areas in order to stimulate job growth. I believe I can make a difference in these areas and be a fervent voice for the people in my district.”