THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, July 24, 1996              TAG: 9607240351
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: SUFFOLK                           LENGTH:   33 lines

SUFFOLK'S DEVELOPMENT OFFICIAL IS ASKED TO RESIGN

Suffolk Economic Development Director Thomas N. Waller was asked by city officials to resign on Monday.

A national search will be conducted to fill the position.

In addition to serving as the city's economic director for the past 18 years, Waller, 65, also served as director for Suffolk's Industrial Development Authority.

Waller said he was stunned when asked to resign by Assistant City Manager for Development William E. Harrell and the city's Director of Personnel Marie A. Dodson.

Waller said he was given two options: either resign or be terminated.

``For a summary dismissal like this, you'd think they'd tell you your job was subpar,'' said Waller from his Virginia Beach home. ``But that never, ever was done.''

Harrell would not comment on the action, referring to it as a personnel issue. Harrell said he will assume Waller's duties until the city begins a national search to fill his position.

During his 18 years of work Waller helped attract Allied Colloids Inc., QVC, Golden State Foods Corp. and Virginia Design Packaging Corp. to Suffolk.

He also pushed for the city to designate foreign trade and enterprise zones.

``We did quite well over time,'' Waller said of the authority's work. ``The basis for a well laid foundation is here in Suffolk. I'm just sorry I won't see it happen.''

KEYWORDS: RESIGNATION by CNB