Comments on: Roder’s a finalist for city admin job in Norfolk, Nebraska

By: Jessica Paxton

Jessica Paxton — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:40:57 +0000

Was just thinking about Susan this morning. I wouldn’t be surprised if she, too, finds all of this quite amusing (in a not-so funny way). Howie, would you be willing to jump back on board, too?!? I’d love to have you and Susan back in action around here.
Geez. I’ve only lived here a little over 6 years and I think this will be the third change at the helm during that time. Is this typical?!? Very troublesome.

By: Howard Merriam

Howard Merriam — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:58:12 +0000

Poor Northfield…you have to go through this tedious recruitment and selection process…again? Two choices:

1) Susan Hoyt
2) Victor Summa

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:57:02 +0000

Roder’s been selected. I just blogged it.

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:23:55 +0000

Thanks, Curt. We should know in a few minutes!

By: Curt Benson

Curt Benson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:39:34 +0000

The Norfolk City Council will announce its new city administrator tomorrow (Friday) at 7:30 am, according to this article:

http://www.norfolkdailynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=104&ArticleID=10880

By: Howard Merriam

Howard Merriam — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:48:04 +0000

Grifley…oh, do tell when you hear…you sleuthful little devil you!

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:10:36 +0000

I’ve been told that the Norfolk City Council meets Friday morning in closed session to make a decision. There will likely be a few days delay on a public announcement until they know whether their offer is accepted by their chosen candidate.

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:43:34 +0000

Decision on Roder could come early next week, according to this article.

Norfolk has hired a former FBI agent to handle background checks on Clausen and Roder. The agent has interviewed several Carroll people about Clausen, including Daily Times Herald staff. The background checks should be finalized Friday with the decision then going to eight-year Norfolk Mayor Gordon Adams, a retired surgeon, who will appoint the city administrator after consulting the council there.

By: john george

john george — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:48:13 +0000

Kiffi- Sounds like you are just expressing your evaluation of the information you have researched. If that is gossip, then none of us has a chance. Besides, I thought that was what a blog was for- expressing opinions. Opinions are subjective evaluations, and discussion can arise as we each evaluate what we are percieving out of our own biases. If we are going to consider a blog a source of verifiable news, then that is something different. A news reporter does open himself up to scrutiny just because of his professional responsibilities. Expressing an opinion on a blog is just that- an opinion. Griff- sorry if I should have posted this on the other thread.

By: kiffi summa

kiffi summa — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:43:37 +0000

From the articles in the Norfolk newspaper, looks like they have a devil of a choice. It would seem they want a long-term employee from some of the comments and their former admin. was there for twenty+ years, I think… So Mr. Roder is young, he could stay there for a long time (especially if he feels connected to their values, as he stated) but then he doesn’t have the history of staying long in one place.

The other candidate looks to be considerably older, so maybe a shorter term hire, but I think he is from Carroll, IA, which if I’m remembering correctly is right next door to Denison, IA, (where Mr. Roder was from previous to NF)… Hmmmm…

Mr. Roder is quoted as saying his strengths are “Economic Development” and “capital projects”… I have to think about that; I could certainly say Mr. Roder has been focussed on those issues, as well as some others.

Just for curiosity’s sake: with reference to the “city council June2″ thread, is what I said here “gossip”? comment? analysis?

By: Charlene Coulombe- Fiore

Charlene Coulombe- Fiore — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:03:35 +0000

I see… Howard, thanks so much for explaining. Sounds like a good fit.
Oh well, I am sure things will continue to change in Northfield.
It appears the new job description for the ED Manager has changed a great deal as well. New direct report, two interns and almost a $20,000 salary increase. WOW!!!

It appears they are also using the firm that placed Susan Hoyt in her position.
Interesting….Thanks again for explaining.

By: Howard Merriam

Howard Merriam — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:52:58 +0000

Charlene and All…the Resource Planning position was the brainchild of former Adminstrator Susan Hoyt and Landscape Architect Howard Merriam. The idea was to provide leadership, vision and guidance in the protection and enhancement of the City’s numerous resources…cultural, natural, historic, educational…you get the idea. When a new adminstration took over, a different set of priorities, values, reasoning and accounting took over.

I suggest for all Northfielders, ‘Deep Economy’ by Bill McKibben. McKibben makes the case for places like Northfield…as I would make the case for places like Northfield. Northfield is poised and positioned for the New Order…the post Big Box, surburban, oil addicted present……

By: Charlene Coulombe- Fiore

Charlene Coulombe- Fiore — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:43:35 +0000

Resource Planning?

I am not familuar with that position.
What or who is in that position now?

By: Tracy Davis

Tracy Davis — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:47:29 +0000

Howard, please come back! We miss you!

By: Howard Merriam

Howard Merriam — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:15:27 +0000

All that I can say is that although Hillary may not be our next President, a female mayor might be a good thing in Nordberg.

I understand the 5th and Water St. project is well underway…I truly hope this helps vitalize the Downtown District.

Also, the Kool Aid is just a different flavor in the Big City…make it YOUR town down there. You have all the opportunity in the world!

By: Jessica Paxton

Jessica Paxton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:21:53 +0000

Howie! You are indeed a tease. When are you going to hightail it on down here and spill the beans?!? (Just try not to gloat too much, okay?)

By the way, nice gravatar — although Alfred doesn’t really do justice to your boyish good looks!

By: Brendon Etter

Brendon Etter — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:21:54 +0000

Susan’s got my back! Take that Alfred!

By: Susan Hvistendahl

Susan Hvistendahl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:32:14 +0000

Alfred E. Neuman is now a contributor to Locallygrown under the pseudonym Howard Merriam? Brendon got some grief for his ugly stepsister alter ego. What next?

By: kiffi summa

kiffi summa — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:45:29 +0000

Maybe until he (Howard Merriam) decided he “couldn’t drink the Kool-Aid” …

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:54:21 +0000

Hey, Howard, welcome!

FYI to others, Howard Merriam was Director of Resource Planning for the City of Northfield until he abandoned us.