Joe Russo, prominent Richmond supporter, considering board tilt if right people join himJON ANDERSON
Herald Sun
August 3, 2016RICHMOND backer and agitator, property developer Joe Russo, said he would not rule out a future tilt at the Tigers board.
Russo, 45, who unsuccessfully challenged for the board last year along with another independent Jason Dowd, has been linked with further action in light of Richmond’s diabolical on-field season.
“I’ve been approached by a lot of people who want change, parties wanting me to form a five-six person ticket,” Russo told the Herald Sun.
“And if the right calibre people come to me, then I will seriously consider it (another board challenge).
“I accept it has to be done in a constructive manner, where we could work with the current board and implement a change of suitable numbers to make a meaningful impact.
“It’s no use waiting for the AGM and changing two seats on the board because that isn’t going to make any difference. And it will be too late.
“The board has four members who have been there for 10 years or longer, which to me is too long because it naturally breeds complacency.
“What is the club doing? They have appointed Ernst Young to conduct a review which to me is nothing more than window dressing.”
Russo has made it known he has no desire to become president of the club and would not be drawn on his view of current president Peggy O’Neal nor coach Damien Hardwick.
The signatures of 5 per cent of Richmond members eligible to vote would be required to force an extraordinary general meeting. That would mean winning the backing of about 2500 people.
Board elections do not normally attract huge voting turnouts, with less than 5000 people voting last year when Russo (1153 votes) and Jason Dowd (796) unsuccessfully challenged sitting members Maurice O’Shannassy (3876) and Rex Chadwick (3617).
Russo said his action last year was driven by frustration after three failed straight elimination final exits.
“I stand by a lot of the comments I made last year, and it’s more obvious than ever that there needs to be an injection of fresh blood at board level,” Russo said.
Russo is a 21-year member of the Tigers and sponsors the club’s VFL team and has also contributing more than $1 million to Richmond’s Fighting Fund.
Russo is the principal of Caydon Property Group, which is developing the Nylex site in Cremorne.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/joe-russo-prominent-richmond-supporter-considering-board-tilt-if-right-people-join-him/news-story/389e655f313ef1032dff956daf63e4de