HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 11-28 Councilman-elect Anderson: outspoken now, timed before REVIEW Councilman-elect
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by Scott Carlson often but now joins the council to get or what you read, people are against
Norman Anderson,one of Maplewood's needled. being disturbed and seeing environmental
newly elected councilmen, had a fear of "I'm a newcomer and I'll have to keep damage."
speaking before large groups. my eyes and ears open," he said. He Anderson said he realizes that the first
• expects the job to be challenging and month and a half might be an awkward
•
But the key word is "had," because in some of the situations terrifying, "like learning experience for the council since
the last three years Anderson has been working out disputes between neighbors three of its five members will be new.
one of Maplewood's most outspoken and when you're a loser no matter what you "Even though we have had differences in
controversial political figures. He has do." the past, once we understand what each
been a thorn in the council's side quite But at least Anderson won't be terrified man is for,I think we can work together,"
in his council seat for offering his Anderson said.
opinions. He said he has nothing specifically
"If it hadn't been for Toastmasters, I planned. "I'm not in much of a position to
know I would have never thought about do much as only one person," Anderson
running for the council," Anderson said. said. "We'll just have to see what hap-
"I would have been too afraid to get in- pens."
volved."Toastmasters is an organization Besides his prior speaking experience,
which helps gain public speaking skills. Anderson said the decision by two in-
A friend at work (3M Company) urged cumbent councilmen to vacate their seats
Anderson to attend some of the Toast- prompted him also to run. "I feel I can do
master meetings and before he knew it, as good a job, if not better, than anyone
Anderson was gaining self-confidence in else and I sincerely believe that," An-
his ability to speak before large groups. derson said. 'I think any honest person
Before I was purely scared to death to can qualify to sit on the council."
talk before large groups,"Anderson said.
"But when I got into Toastmasters I AT THE VERY least, Anderson hopes
learned how to present speeches and to encourage and see more people at the
present myself." council meetings expressing their
Since that time Anderson has spoken opinions. "People shouldn't rave about
out at countless council meetings on everything but there are issues that
housing projects, population density and should be discussed," Anderson said.
development. "I find that there are a lot of people who
are interested but don't know how to get
"I THINK GROWTH will be the biggest involved,"he said."They want to talk but
problem," Anderson said, now that he is are afraid . . . and I know what it's like
nn the council. "No matter where you go because I was there before."