After plans for a noon announcement of Charlottesville’s new city manager were scrapped, city officials dispersed from City Hall and reporters returned to their desks to await a call from the new city manager, Maurice Jones. The man himself was a few blocks away at The Nook, where he was finishing a chicken club wrap—"one of my favorites," he told C-VILLE Weekly shortly after.
In addition to sharing his excitement and enthusiasm for a new post—one that will start him at an annual salary of $170,000—Jones talked about his edge in the job search, and how his family will celebrate the news. More after the photo.
Maurice Jones says he did not anticipate a gig as city manager when he left City Hall and his former job as communications director years ago.
Jones, who beat out more than 80 applicants for the gig (including a few other city managers), said being a local gave him an advantage over other candidates.
“I know this town, I know the people in this town, I know the folks within our city organization," Jones told C-VILLE. "I’ve been around long enough to know what the issues are and how to tackle the issues."
Starting with the budget, predicted to face an increase in expenditures that barely outpaces an increase in tax revenues. "The No. 1 issue will be the budget," said Jones, who mentioned the city’s capital needs, as well as the outstanding demand for a community water supply plan. Jones serves on the board of the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority, as does former city manager Gary O’Connell, now director of the Albemarle County Service Authority. Jones said he had not yet heard from O’Connell regarding his new job, but the announcement was made "only a few hours ago."
In a prepared statement, Mayor Dave Norris said Jones is known "as being fair and personally involved in any challenge, not only in city hall but also throughout the community."
"I expect that will be what this Council and future councils appreciate about his leadership style and what the community will come to admire," said Norris.
As for his plans to celebrate his new gig? Jones, a father of three, said he plans to take his family to dinner at the Brick Oven restaurant.