JACKSON PICKS ONE OF ITS OWN FOR POST

JACKSON -- After a 60-day search that lured 125 applicants from throughout the country, the Jackson Board of Aldermen picked a hometown boy as its new city administrator.

Stephen J. Wilson, 40, of 1217 Lakewoods Drive in Jackson was the only local candidate that made the final cut of three. On Tuesday he was offered the job.

Mayor Paul Sander said Wilson, currently an employee with the Missouri Department of Conservation, was the unanimous choice of the board.

"We feel he brings tremendous leadership to Jackson and tremendous qualities of being able to deal with people," Sander said. "His background with the state of Missouri, knowing people in state government, is important to our future."

Wilson's starting salary is $40,000 annually.

After 16 years with the Department of Conservation, Wilson said Tuesday's decision was difficult.

But he hopes his experience with the state will benefit Jackson.

"I have a lot of familiarity with Jefferson City, and those contacts are going to be important as the city of Jackson moves forward," he said.

Wilson's starting date hasn't been set, but the new administrator said it will have to be soon. Jackson is in the middle of its budget process for the next fiscal year.

"That's not something I want to undertake cold next year," he said.

Wilson doesn't intend to shake things up at city hall in Jackson. He wants only to build on what he considers already are strengths of city government.

"I think this council and mayor have been very open-minded, and the people of this town have had the ear of this council," Wilson said. "But the people in Jackson have never been shy about telling city officials what they want."

Wilson moved to Jackson in 1979 after a stint working for the National Rifle Association in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the city's park board, and his wife, Marci, works at Bent Creek Golf Course. They have two sons in Jackson schools.

Wilson said he looks forward to serving the public as city administrator.

"This is a humbling experience for me," he said. "It's a great honor, and I intend to not let the council, mayor and the citizens down."

Wilson described himself as "employee-oriented" and unafraid of hard work. One of his first tasks will be to meet with city employees. "They're going to find me fair and demanding," he said.

That's just fine with Sander.

"After a very thorough search, the qualities we found in Steve were what the council agreed this town needs," the mayor said. "We're looking forward to getting him on board."