For nine years, Luke Nelson was the city administrator in Boone. On Aug. 15, he stepped into the role of Norwalk city manager. Both job titles mean that he acts as a chief executive, but a recent report out of the University of North Carolina found that the roles of city manager and city administrator are interpreted by the people holding the titles. Nelson noted that a city manager might be able to hire and fire without seeking city council approval, whereas a city administrator would need the approval first. No matter to Nelson; he plans to follow the lead of the mayor and city council in his approach to the job. “If they want me to mow the grass at the cemetery, I’ll mow the grass at the cemetery.”

What was the attraction to Norwalk?
Norwalk is a growing and vibrant community. The elected officials have demonstrated a desire to carefully manage how the city grows while maintaining the qualities that make Norwalk an attractive place to live. With my skills and background, I felt that I would be a great fit for Norwalk. Fortunately, the mayor and city council agreed.
 
Boone was facing some financial challenges when you took over as city administrator. How did you deal with those challenges?
One step at a time. There were times that the financial difficulties seemed insurmountable. When you tackle issues as a team with lots of communication (both internal and citizen engagement), it is easy to find success. Boone, as a team, established a vision and goal to get its financial house in order. The city streamlined government operations by finding every opportunity to remove waste. Department heads brought forward ideas. Elected officials brought forward ideas. We researched ideas and proceeded with those that made the most sense for the community. Within just a few years the city was seeing results. We established clear goals to achieve 25 percent reserves — 25 percent of one year of revenue. Within five years almost every fund had a balance that met or exceeded our reserve goals. While this stressed some of our services, we were able to explain the financial benefits to citizens. Today Boone is on solid financial grounds with a bright future.
 
Cutting and combining positions is never easy. Do you still have some battle scars from those efforts?
I am very proud of my scars. I learned a lot during my time in Boone. One of my most intense moments was when we worked with the fire department to reduce staff through attrition and pursue a public safety organization. The firefighters were concerned about safety within the community, given our reduction in staff. Several staff from other departments joined together to help. We did a cross-training program where city staff took firefighter I (FFI) training. I too joined that effort and became a certified firefighter. Today, the Boone Fire Department has over 30 trained FFI individuals to assist with major emergencies. I still remember a fire I responded to on a hot summer day. I sat in the back of an ambulance next to one of our longtime firefighters as we both recovered from the heat. I asked him what he thought about the number of firefighters at the scene. He gave me a little smile and said that he had never seen so many Boone trained firefighters at a fire scene. Yes, there were scars. But the end result has been a great experience for the community.
 
What lessons did you learn from the experience?
Doing the right thing is rarely easy. In fact, doing the right thing can sometimes be the most difficult path.
 
What are the challenges and opportunities for you and the city of Norwalk?
First, I need to learn a lot. I need to know the vision and goals of the mayor and council. Once I have a firm understanding of their desires, I can proceed to work to develop Team Norwalk to accomplish those goals. Norwalk is on the verge of significant growth. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. It will be our role, as staff, to help the elected officials predict the future. 
 
Tell us about “motorcycle” therapy?
I have ridden a motorcycle since a very young age. I can’t remember a time I didn’t feel better after returning from a ride. No music, no cellphone, no email. Just the wind and your own thoughts.
 
Other than riding your motorcycle, do you have other hobbies?
I enjoy working on motorcycles — anything with an engine is a fun challenge. I recently completed my first cafe bike project, 1974 Honda CB550 barn find. The restoration of a 1976 Trans Am is on my bucket list. As a family we like to ski/snowboard, camp and ride bicycles. My wife and I enjoy exercise and weightlifting. I also enjoy an occasional home remodeling project.