Today we'll step away from political issues to instead ask that you keep in your thoughts Bedford's Town Manager Russ Marcoux.
Russ is currently hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital with bacterial meningitis, which is inarguably a very serious illness. People accustomed to seeing Russ around town were shocked to hear the news, and there is a distinct pall over the Town's office building where the people who work under Russ worry about their boss, whom they like and respect.
I first spoke with Russ shortly after he became Bedford's Town Manager, and while I have occasionally disagreed with him on various issues, I have always found him to be both gracious and responsive, no matter how spirited a town controversy might get. Serving in a job like that of a town manager calls for a cool head and a thick skin. Russ has both, and it has always showed. That's not particularly easy in a town where everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks that his or her opinion is the right one.
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Anyone who knows Russ even slightly knows of his devotion to his wife and family, and his total delight in his grandchildren. Once when I was at the town office building for some mundane matter, Russ heard me talking with someone, and came out to invite me into his office to see his new family photos. I've known a lot of government officials throughout my career, but Russ is the only one I've known who took time out of a busy day to just spend a moment to share and exchange family photos and stories. That alone speaks volumes about the man.
Prayers are being said in the Benuck household for Russ to make a full recovery. I hope that you will take a minute or two to also offer up your hope for an excellent outcome for Russ and his family.
