Introducing Norfolk's new economic development guru

Anderson

So what do we know about Steven Anderson, Norfolk’s new economic development director, other than what was presented in a press release issued by the city? 

He lives in Norfolk with his family.

His salary is $130,000.

He has no contract with the city. He is considered an “at will” employee, meaning he can be fired for looking at someone on Norfolk City Council the wrong way.

The city paid his moving expenses from St. Mary’s, Maryland, a total of $4,244.15.

His annual salary at his last job in Maryland was $116,226.

Chuck Rigney, interim director for two years

 His predecessor in St. Mary’s, who resigned over a controversy about his alleged attempt to influence a local government contract, had been paid $102,000.

Anderson replaced Bob Schaller, who was hired in 2007. Schaller was at the center of the controversy.

Anderson was appointed Economic and Community Director in St. Mary’s by the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners last October.

Previously, Anderson served as the President and CEO of Lake County Partners, Inc., in Libertyville, IL, a not-for-profit economic development agency.

From 2002 to 2008 Anderson served as Vice President, Business Development for the St. Louis County Economic Council, in St. Louis, Mo. 

Less than a year later, Anderson resigned his position and arrived in Norfolk, to much praise and some consternation, as he assumes a post temporarily held by someone who knows what makes Norfolk ticks and a department that might feel uncomfortable with a newcomer, an outsider.

In addition, Anderson has to play the political dance as an outsider with various city departments, as well as City Council. 

How long will that take?

A month? Highly unlikely.

Six months? A year?

Norfolk is an insular city with insular ties within local government and with the local community, who may or may not welcome an outsider.

Here’s an online comment on Anderson’s arrival in St. Marys, perhaps echoing the same sentiment in Norfolk. 

“Sure another "outsider" will have great grandiose plans for St. Mary's and understanding the local business environment. Or better yet, as long as he his answer is always 'yessir misssster Russel, whatever you needs.”

But we shall see. We must give him a chance. Let’s hope City Council gives him a chance to succeed or fail.

But why did Anderson come to Norfolk? He needed more money. 

Anderson explained the reason for his resignation and his move to Norfolk in a public statement. 

“It’s better for the family, in economics. It’s an offer I couldn’t refuse,” he said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity,” according to SoMdNews.com.

His wife couldn’t find employment here, though, he said, and the bills stacked up, SoMdNews.com said.

So, is Anderson a flight risk? A question that needs to be pondered in light of his past. Would he leave Norfolk if he got a job in another city for $150,000 or $200,000? 

But, again, let's give him a chance to revive Norfolk's economy with new ideas.