The Hour
NEON selects state lawmaker executive director
By PATRICK R. LINSEY
Hour Staff Writer
NORWALK — NEON's board voted to hand the agency's reins to
state Rep. Joe Mann Wednesday night.
After learning the news, Mann, D-140, confirmed he will not seek
re-election to the state legislature in November.
"I'm thrilled — I'm very appreciative to the board for taking that action," said Mann in a
telephone interview. "For me this is kind of like a long-realized dream. I've wanted to be in this
position for a while. I think I can do a lot of things to help move NEON forward."
Last month the board of Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now appointed Mann interim
executive director. Since that time, the board's Personnel Committee advertised the position
within the agency and on the Internet, and held four interviews with potential candidates,
including Mann.
The committee recommended the full board appoint him, which it did by a vote of 14 to 0 with
two members abstaining. There was disagreement among board members as to Mann's
salary. Board member Herb Grant proposed Mann be appointed with a $95,000 annual
salary, retroactive to his selection as interim executive director.
But Personnel Committee Chairman the Rev. David Washington said the board should allow
Mann to negotiate a salary. "When you offer someone a job, they should have the
opportunity to counter you financially," Washington said. Ultimately, the board charged
Chairman Carvin Hilliard to form a committee which will determine Mann's salary. Its four
members will come from NEON's personnel and finance committees.
"I supported Joe because I think he's qualified," said Hilliard, also a member of Norwalk's
Common Council. "He's a community person and in order for NEON to be successful, we need
the support of the community."
With his government contacts, Mann will do a good job procuring state and local money for
the agency, Hilliard predicted. "We didn't have someone who was politically connected and
knew how to go after funding," said Hilliard.
The Hatch Act of 1939 prohibits federal employees from campaigning for public office. Mann's
position would likely be covered under the law, as NEON accepts federal funding.
Mann said he plans to finish out his term. "Had it been early, say in January, I probably would
have resigned not wanting to go through the session," he said. "The next NEON meeting is
the last day of our session for this year."
The party will find another candidate for the 140th legislative district, said Galen Wells,
chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee. "Joe Mann was a good legislator and I'm
very sorry to see him not running for (re-election)," Wells said. "I think he did a wonderful job
and he'll be missed, but I congratulate Joe on getting this job ... I'm sure he'll do a wonderful
job for the community."
NEON selects state lawmaker executive director
By PATRICK R. LINSEY
Hour Staff Writer
NORWALK — NEON's board voted to hand the agency's reins to
state Rep. Joe Mann Wednesday night.
After learning the news, Mann, D-140, confirmed he will not seek
re-election to the state legislature in November.
"I'm thrilled — I'm very appreciative to the board for taking that action," said Mann in a
telephone interview. "For me this is kind of like a long-realized dream. I've wanted to be in this
position for a while. I think I can do a lot of things to help move NEON forward."
Last month the board of Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now appointed Mann interim
executive director. Since that time, the board's Personnel Committee advertised the position
within the agency and on the Internet, and held four interviews with potential candidates,
including Mann.
The committee recommended the full board appoint him, which it did by a vote of 14 to 0 with
two members abstaining. There was disagreement among board members as to Mann's
salary. Board member Herb Grant proposed Mann be appointed with a $95,000 annual
salary, retroactive to his selection as interim executive director.
But Personnel Committee Chairman the Rev. David Washington said the board should allow
Mann to negotiate a salary. "When you offer someone a job, they should have the
opportunity to counter you financially," Washington said. Ultimately, the board charged
Chairman Carvin Hilliard to form a committee which will determine Mann's salary. Its four
members will come from NEON's personnel and finance committees.
"I supported Joe because I think he's qualified," said Hilliard, also a member of Norwalk's
Common Council. "He's a community person and in order for NEON to be successful, we need
the support of the community."
With his government contacts, Mann will do a good job procuring state and local money for
the agency, Hilliard predicted. "We didn't have someone who was politically connected and
knew how to go after funding," said Hilliard.
The Hatch Act of 1939 prohibits federal employees from campaigning for public office. Mann's
position would likely be covered under the law, as NEON accepts federal funding.
Mann said he plans to finish out his term. "Had it been early, say in January, I probably would
have resigned not wanting to go through the session," he said. "The next NEON meeting is
the last day of our session for this year."
The party will find another candidate for the 140th legislative district, said Galen Wells,
chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee. "Joe Mann was a good legislator and I'm
very sorry to see him not running for (re-election)," Wells said. "I think he did a wonderful job
and he'll be missed, but I congratulate Joe on getting this job ... I'm sure he'll do a wonderful
job for the community."
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