As more details emerge from the ongoing saga of the appointment of Alphonso Albert to the newly created position in Norfolk government, there is one thing that has been bothering me: just what was the process by which Albert was selected?
After making a few phone calls this afternoon, my understanding is that there really was no process. In other words, business as usual in Norfolk. Apparently, a discussion was held at the council retreat back in September about creating this department – Office of Public and Criminal Justice – and his name was offered to head it up. Since most of council was familiar with Albert and his wonderful work at Second Chances, he seemed to be a perfect fit. It seems that no one on council was completely familiar with the details of Albert’s background until exposed by The Virginian-Pilot.
Many of the comments posted on PilotOnline about the Albert saga have centered on two things: that he is a convicted felon and that the job pays $98,500 a year; actually, there are more comments about the latter than the former. I understand Albert made more than $90,000 a year as the head of Second Chances, so it’s not like he’s hit the lottery.
And, of course, the conversation about Albert has racial overtones, made even more so by the comments of Council members Paul Riddick and, surprisingly, Daun Hester.
Sorry – I don’t see the race issue here. What I see is a process that occurs all too frequently and should not be a part of the way business is done in Norfolk – or anywhere, for that matter. What should have happened was that the office was created, a job description written, the job posted, applications be submitted, background checks be made, interviews be done – and then a person chosen. In other words, rules for a normal hiring process should have been followed.
But that’s not how Norfolk does business. Instead, they look to a small group of insiders and appoint them to positions. Take a look at the city’s boards and commissions. Rarely do they go outside that small group to bring in someone who is not already “connected” in some way. Remember the attempted appointment of the guy who was, at the same time, suing the city a few years ago? (I seem to recall that the city actually has an application process for the boards and commissions but I can’t find it on the council site right now.) Once again, because of this lack of process, the Council finds itself with egg on its face.
Had there been a process in place and had that process been followed, a man who has done a lot of good for this city would not have had his past so publicly dissected, the wounds of the family affected by his actions would not have been reopened, a city manager who has done an awful lot of good for this city would not have her job further jeopardized and racial tensions – always just beneath the surface in Norfolk – would not have spilled over. Everyone would have been better off.
Will council ever learn?
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
What you’re describing is the good old boys network. Now it has just gone multicultural.
It really seems like Mr. Albert has turned his life around and is making restitution by helping others not take his former path in life. In this case a convicted felon is better serving mankind not by “rotting” in jail, but by actually doing something to better himself and the lives of others. Just imagine if MORE convicted felons came out of jail/prison and did things like Mr. Albert is doing!
I certainly understand the pain and frustration that the victims of Mr. Albert’s crimes feel. I am not discounting that at all. I just hope that they can see why it might be a good idea to have Mr. Albert in that job. I have personally never been the victim of a violent crime (Thank God). (I have family members who have been, though. I would hope that I would have the grace to forgive and support TRUE rehabilition of the criminal.
If the citizens of Norfolk knew half of what goes on in city government that doesn’t make the papers, maybe we would have some good opposition candidates for City Council and some people coming to the polls to vote for them.
What IS up with Daun Hester? First supporting Nick Rerras and now this?
Vivian, as usual- you are the voice of reason. You hit the nail on the head!
Great posting Vivian. You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Do they ever learn???
Much of what you say is so true. The main culprit is the process, a process which is put into effect by people. Mrs. Williams has made one too many errors; she has to go.
As for Mr. Albert, I am in agreement with comments that ex-offenders need to be given opportunities. But, those should be after evidence that criminal thinking is gone. The negligence shown by not paying almost $10,000 in fines indicates that he is still a con artist at heart. With a $90,000+ salary as Second Chance Director, one would think he would have at least made an attempt to pay the fines. The fact that he allowed his church to pay the fines (Is this “kosher” with IRS for a non-profit expenditure?) does little to inspire confidence in Mr. Albert’s rehabilitation.
I was at the last council meeting and the racism of the pro-Albert group was rampant and overt. Riddick, as usual, was over the top and prone to nonsensical rhetoric.
how soon we forget.