Former Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter reflects on years of service, community resilience

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. — Richmond Hill’s longtime former mayor is reflecting on more than a decade of public service as the city turns a new page in its leadership.

Russ Carpenter served Richmond Hill for 16 years, including eight years as mayor and eight years before that as a city councilman. His tenure came to an end earlier this month as the city swore in Kristi Cox, its first female mayor.

Carpenter says some of his proudest moments in office centered on the community coming together during times of loss. He recalled the city shutting down streets to welcome home fallen soldiers, including Matthew Freeman, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

“That’s where you really began to see what Richmond Hill is made of,” Carpenter said. “How we can support those who were really hurting and in need.”

Economic development was also a highlight of his time in office. Carpenter pointed to the arrival of the Belfast Commerce Center as a major accomplishment, bringing new jobs and growth to the area.

But his time as mayor also included significant challenges.

Carpenter noted that one of the most difficult moments was dealing with the aftermath of tropical storm Debby. The storm caused widespread damage, and rising waters from the Ogeechee River flooded parts of Richmond Hill.

Despite the destruction, Carpenter said the response from residents left a lasting impression.

“Once again, they came together—sandbags, thousands of sandbags, a community effort,” he said. “People patrolling the streets in their boats, helping people get out of their houses.”

Looking back, Carpenter said one of his biggest regrets involved the city’s purchase of the historic Community House in 2022 for nearly one million dollars. The building, originally constructed by Henry Ford, previously served as a home economics school for women and later operated as a funeral home.

Carpenter said the goal was to restore the building as a community gathering space, but the project was never completed during his time in office.

“We haven’t yet been able to get that opened,” Carpenter said. “I would’ve liked to have been able to do that and push that through before I left office.”

As he steps away from city leadership, Carpenter says he’s offering his support to Mayor Kristi Cox as she begins her term.

He continues to work as a U.S. Government teacher at Richmond Hill High School and says he’s enjoying having more time outside of city hall — including spending time with his wife and catching up on yard work.