THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 24, 1994 TAG: 9407220221
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Rebecca Myers
LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
In 23 years, Ted Masters helped the city obtain more than $85 million in federal and state grants.
Money that helped low- to middle-income families purchase their first home. Money that funded recreational programs that kept children off the streets. Money that helped expand the city's adult education program. Money the city wouldn't have had otherwise.
Over the years, Masters took the process of seeking out and securing grants and got it down to a science. You might say he was a master at his work.
But all that came to an end on June 30, the day Masters retired after 34 years with the city, 23 of which was spent primarily as the city's grants analyst.
The timing couldn't have been better for him. Masters' position was one of 39 that were eliminated during the city's recent layoffs. Consultants who recommended eliminating the job suggested consolidating the duties with another position.
``I'll be frank with you. There's a whole lot more to it than (Wayne) Orton will ever understand because he's never been involved in it,'' said Masters about his former job.
The duties will now be divided among three people, a decision about which Masters has some reservations.
``I don't know how effective that will be because you really have to have somebody as the key person there. . . Somebody has got to be the focal point to keep in touch with Richmond, to keep in touch with Philadelphia, and, at times, Washington, D.C.''
At the time Masters was asked to become the grants analyst in 1971, the position was combined with the duties of the city clerk. After about 18 months, the two positions were split because being a grants analyst was a full-time job.
``We knew that we were doing a pretty good job because we had cities like Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Richmond, Petersburg and some others calling us, asking us what we were doing, because we had such a well organized, central operation,'' said Masters.
For a man like Masters, retirement may not come easy.
In his 62 years, he has gone from being a sergeant in the Army to being a high school government teacher, a track coach, a guidance counselor, a junior high school principal, director of adult and vocational education and, finally, a city employee.
``I'm kind of playing it by ear,'' he said. ``I wouldn't mind doing a bit of lobbying in Richmond occasionally and helping out on some matters that are important to interest groups.''
Meanwhile, he'll continue serving the numerous civic and business organizations he belongs to.
And he'll have time to enjoy life.
``I've got a big pretty flower garden out front that I take a lot of pride in. . . and I've got a new grandson (River Kyle Gavin, born July 17, 1994).''
Name: Theodore Elmo Masters Jr.
Nickname: Ted
Neighborhood: Nottingham at Sterling Point in Churchland
Number of years in Portsmouth: 34
Birthplace: Newport News
Birthdate: May 29, 1932
Occupation: Retired
What other job than your own would you like? This is the best one I know.
Marital status: Separated
Children: Julie Gavin, 30, and Scott Masters, 27.
Grandchildren: Shaun Thomas, 11, Amber Dunning, 1, and River Gavin, 1 week.
Fondest childhood memory: Winning the state championship in the 440-yard dash and winning the Tidewater Championship in the 100- and 220-yard dash, both as a high school sophomore in 1949.
First concert: Newport News High School, 1949. I played baritone, first chair, there. Also, I played as first chair, treble clef, all-state band, Norview High School, 1951.
What song or book title best describes your life? ``When The Cheering Stopped, The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson,'' by Gene Smith.
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? A respirator.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? I'd rather be me.
Biggest accomplishment: Retiring
Most embarrassing moment: Speaking before a National Association of Counties Committee on public lands usage, only to observe that I had left part of my notes in the hotel room - Kansas City, Mo., 1977.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Lose 15 pounds in four days.
Perfect way to spend the day: Hiking and being with my kids and grandkids.
I can't resist: Strawberry yogurt
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: The Baron's Pub
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: The Baron's Pub
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: The city elected leadership needs to develop and implement key public improvements and marketing strategies, creating an environment which will stimulate greater private investment.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
Create the mechanism to provide for a safer city.
Quit relying so heavily on consultants to do what the city administration should be equipped to do.
Study the feasibility of electing a full-time mayor who would be the CEO also.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? I have a great number of friends who live all over the city. That is of great value to me. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB